German Gas Check - In 1970 at Lahr, I had to check a massive underground fuel storage tank left by the French. The tank needed some welding done on it before being put back in use. I had the German contractor and myself in Breathing Apparatus and went down the ladder into the tank with a gas detector and started to take some readings. Could not see that well down there, so asked the German to go back up and get a safety light! Then it happened! He quickly pulled a kitchen type match out and lit it on the side of the tank! No need to say any more! 

By Joe Walker, Chief Warrant Officer, Retired