Was the Luftwaffe high in the sky?

Bilge_Rat · 10-11-16, 10:38 AM

During WW2, german troops were issued a stimulant under the trade name "Pervitin" which is now known to be methamphetamine, more commonly known as "Speed" or "Crystal Meth".

Based on anecdotal evidence, it seems to have been regularly used by many soldiers, including Panzer crews and pilots.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-901755.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-354606.html

Hitler was also taking methamphetamine regularly from 1942 on, which explains a lot...

The Allies used amphetamines during WW2, like "Benzedrine", although its use seems to have been more tightly controlled, although it was handed out to Allied bomber pilots on long flights.

In Montserrat's "The Cruel Sea" (1951), there is a scene late in the book where the frigate "H.M.S. Saltash" has been hunting a U-boat for a long time. The captain who has been up for 24 hours asks the ship's doctor to give him something to stay awake. After some hesitation, the doc gives him Benzedrine and tells him : "This will keep you up for 24 hours after which you will go out like a light and wake up with quite a hangover". He also admonishes him that Benzedrine is not something to be trifled with, to which the captain replies that he is not planning to make a habit out of it. Montserrat served in the RN in WW2 and the book was based on his wartime experiences. It is a novel, but it does show that even in WW2, it was common knowledge that amphetamines were potentially dangerous.

Amphetamines like "Benzedrine" are also supposed to be less potent than methamphetamines like "Pervitin".

Eichhörnchen · 10-11-16, 10:43 AM

Yes I remember that bit of the film well. I almost sat down to watch that movie the other day, oddly enough

Stealhead · 10-11-16, 08:59 PM

The US military still gives pilots "go pills" which is mild amphetamine. Most armed forces during WWII issued go pills to troops during the war to keep them alert for combat.

In modern times especially enemy combatants in Iraq during the US tenure there used methamphetamine and artificial adrenaline.

fumo30 · 10-13-16, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilge_Rat

although it was handed out to Allied bomber pilots on long flights.

I believe it was in common use.

Dowly · 10-13-16, 07:31 AM

In Finland, Pervitin was included in the gear of LRRP units from October 1941 onwards. How much it was used during patrols, I don't know.

10-11-16, 10:38 AM	#1
Bilge_Rat Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: standing watch... Posts: 3,856 Downloads: 344 Uploads: 0	During WW2, german troops were issued a stimulant under the trade name "Pervitin" which is now known to be methamphetamine, more commonly known as "Speed" or "Crystal Meth". Based on anecdotal evidence, it seems to have been regularly used by many soldiers, including Panzer crews and pilots. http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-901755.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-354606.html Hitler was also taking methamphetamine regularly from 1942 on, which explains a lot... The Allies used amphetamines during WW2, like "Benzedrine", although its use seems to have been more tightly controlled, although it was handed out to Allied bomber pilots on long flights. In Montserrat's "The Cruel Sea" (1951), there is a scene late in the book where the frigate "H.M.S. Saltash" has been hunting a U-boat for a long time. The captain who has been up for 24 hours asks the ship's doctor to give him something to stay awake. After some hesitation, the doc gives him Benzedrine and tells him : "This will keep you up for 24 hours after which you will go out like a light and wake up with quite a hangover". He also admonishes him that Benzedrine is not something to be trifled with, to which the captain replies that he is not planning to make a habit out of it. Montserrat served in the RN in WW2 and the book was based on his wartime experiences. It is a novel, but it does show that even in WW2, it was common knowledge that amphetamines were potentially dangerous. Amphetamines like "Benzedrine" are also supposed to be less potent than methamphetamines like "Pervitin". __________________

10-11-16, 10:43 AM	#2
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 17,399 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Yes I remember that bit of the film well. I almost sat down to watch that movie the other day, oddly enough __________________

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10-11-16, 08:59 PM	#3
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	The US military still gives pilots "go pills" which is mild amphetamine. Most armed forces during WWII issued go pills to troops during the war to keep them alert for combat. In modern times especially enemy combatants in Iraq during the US tenure there used methamphetamine and artificial adrenaline.

10-13-16, 07:31 AM	#5
Dowly Lucky Jack Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 25,053 Downloads: 32 Uploads: 0	In Finland, Pervitin was included in the gear of LRRP units from October 1941 onwards. How much it was used during patrols, I don't know.