I didn't get that part at all. Why did they paint their faces white during that battle training scene? Some sort of navy regulation?
mmm, doughnut...
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It was supposed to prevent burns to the face when the guns are being fired. I believe it's supposed to deflect the heat.
shareThe anti-flash cream was used because all of the topside sailors were exposed to flashes, both from the ship's guns firing and from explosions caused by incoming ordnance (torpedoes, shellfire, bombs, etc.). It was a protective measure to avoid burns to exposed skin and was used widely during World War II. It is no longer used.
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Also the flash from any shell explosions hitting the Caine. The stuff is like aluminum oxide to keep your nose from getting sunburned.
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In my time, the 80s, the RCN used white nomex hoods, with just an eye slit and more open mesh for mouth/nose, kind of like a white burka, for the same reason.
sharethey changed it since then, now it's a grey flash hood, probably similar in design you're referring to but minus the mouth and nose slit. closer to a ski mask or those mask swat guys wear (the name evades me right now).
shareI was wondering the same thing and thanks to all those that responded.
shareIt was the same reason the rock band KISS first starting wearing greasepaint. To help protect against all the pyrotechnics they used. Not really - it was just a random thought I had. :)
shareIn watching 'The Fighting Lady' a military documentary regarding the Yorktown during WWII; the Navy movie states that sailors would also be required to shower the day before battle; so in case they got injured there'd be less of a chance of infection on the open wounds.
shareI was wondering the same thing. Thanks to all.
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