I came across this reference to a Halifax Mid-under turret. Anyone know th ebackground to these. I'd heard that some Canadian squadrons were using this to counter 'schrage musik' but have never seen photos. 415 Crew
The first ever rear gun position on the B-24 Liberator. The photo is of a Liberator I of 120 Squadron taken 1941, the position had sliding doors and the gun, a Browning 303 was stored in the rear of the aircraft, the doors were opened and the gunner would install the gun on its mount. A bit drafty. Power turrets were first used on the B-24 with the Liberator II
It should not be "new news" to regular forum members that I lost a dear brother in the RAF during WW2. Jack was a Tail Gunner on a Lancaster and was killed over Nuremberg in March 45. His Squadron, 166 Squadron Bomber Command, suffered the loss of over 900 aircrew during the war and I would guess that Tail Gunners formed a large proportion of those horrendous casualties. It was well known in the Forces that to be an Air Gunner was to live on borrowed time and I can still remember, with bitterness, being told by various members of my own Hussar unit "Air Gunner ?.... I give him four weeks !"
Here is a rather unusual picture of my Father-in-Law in the office of his Lib. I have also included one of him in front of the Taj Mahal. Note the absence of shoes in the picture. These are 1945 vintage. cheers, phil
Phil, Thanks for posting the two photographs. It does not appear to be common that a gunner is photographed in the turret. Regards Tom
Right you are, Tom. I don't recall ever seeing any other than training films of the tail end charlie in situ. I have that snap framed and hanging in the living room. Actually made quite a display of it all. There is some interesting things in this 2foot by 3foot frame. cheers, phil
Phil, I have to congratulate you on the tribute to your father in law. It looks excellent and is something that you can be extremely proud to display. Regards Tom
Thanks -- it was a labour of love that got a bit out of hand when all was said and done, but it looks marvellous on the dining room wall. The most special pieces in it are the key to his hotel room in Cairo and his neck microphone which I found at the bottom of his flight bag [which he told me was empty] and in that little pouch that runs on the outside down under and up, there it was. Proud to show him off to you all. cheers, phil
Phil, I have to congratulate you on the tribute to your father in law. It looks excellent and is something that you can be extremely proud to display. Regards Tom Just to Echo Tom and Za's sentiments, great work Phil. Fantastic display!!
Again, thank you all very much. It was a real joy to put together what was in an envelope in a drawer to become something the whole family is rightly proud of. cheers, phil
The lot of the rear gunner was not a happy one , closed behind his doors he was alone and his search for the moving shadow which betrayed the approaching fighter was relentless and never ending. A heated suit kept him warm , or was supposed to , the perspex screen was all which was between him and the subzero temperature - some turrets had the central panel removed to allow for clearer observation and "Monica" which was supposed to alert him to approaching fighters often played him false - the fighter homing on the radar emissions. How could he answer the call of nature ? Who kept watch ? Most fighters liked to avoid alert gunners but 20mm cannons out ranged and out punched .303's - the later limited installed twin .5's. The rear gunner had a very lonely isolated station not something to be envied..... life and death in a darkened sky at 18-20 odd years of age , when you look at the burden which they took on whilst dealing with their own very natural and understandable fear......... bomber crews did not have an easy ticket.
Hi guys Somewhere in one of my bomber command books (I am getting to have so many) there is a pic of a guy in his rear turret but on the ground. I will have a scout and come back to that. Re why the guys did not fire it was because they were ordered not to unless they absolutely had to. Am reading a book about the Lancaster at the moment and there is a quote about that. Bomber Harris fought and fought to have the Lanc upgraded to 0.5 right from the start but the penny pinchers at mod would only put in 303s cos they said it took 5mph off the speed cos of the weight. Much difference that makes when there is an enemy aircraft firing at you from outside the range of your guns. My friend says that not only would have it been lonely but bloody cold (they generally took the glass out so they could see) and cramped (anyone over 5ft would not be able to move) so all power to their elbows for having such guts! Dee
