An air of tension mixed in the smoke laden dim atmosphere when at precisely 1645 Hrs the Station Commander and the Squadron Commander entered, we sprang to attention and remained in that stiff posture until they reached their positions of the stage when he said, Gentlemen be seated. At 1830 Hrs. It did not involve a B-17 or a B-24 facing off against a Luftwaffe attack, or a B-29 defending itself in the Korean WarTurner was a tail gunner on an aircraft still flying but not usually associated with machine gun defense: the B-52. It was his usual strong brew guaranteed to sustain body and soul against the penetrating chill of the North Lincolnshire weather. At last we attain our operational height, and we press on towards unsuspecting Pforzheim, where even in homes and small workshops the Germans were manufacturing intricate time fuses, aircraft instrumentation, and parts for high technology weapons such as the `V weapons. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. What was the life expectancy of a Spitfire pilot? The bomb damage diagrams are aerial photographs of Berlin, Cologne and Dresden, overlaid with coloured areas indicating how much damage was caused by the strategic bombing campaign. He has been attending group sessions in Sunderland for such ex-servicemen that are run by Forces for Good, a project that is part of the About Turn charity. What was the life expectancy of a tail gunner? We have completed half our task and are on the way home. Three gunners (top, front, and rear) also featured in a fully-operation crew in the AWW. The life expectancy of a WW2 Rear-gunner varied but was never high, mostly about just 5 Sorties. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". for ground troops; they served as an irritant (later, as a serious The exact number is unknown, but it is estimated that around 18,000 B-17 tail gunners served during the war, and roughly 5,000 were killed or injured. Their chance of survival was less than 50 percent. The Pacific theater also had a higher death rate compared to the European theater due to the nature of the missions and the terrain. The Battle of Stalingrad was the deadliest battle to take place during the Second World War and is one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare, with an estimated 2 million total casualties. I flex my fingers to check that my restricted digits will be able to perform their required tasks. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Is Buffet And Smorgasbord The Same Thing? introduced, not perfected, in the First World War. It was during this time I made peace with my God and I was at peace with myself and the rest of the world until 30 minutes before touch-down. The ritual of gathering at the Red Shield was threefold: a cuppa, a natter and to keep an eye on the two Post Office telephone kiosks outside the station guardroom. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. His crew must be very proud to have served with such a gallant officer. Tail gunners were a vital part of successful air crews in WWII conflicts. Are there any Battle of Britain pilots left? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. He said although he was a nose gunner, he was also a second engineer, a position made for backups, and later, he was put in the tail gunner's position of the Liberator. What was the life expectancy of a tail gunner? The name arose from the turret's spherical housing. Winston Churchill told Many veterans will have suffered from PTSD, and when asked if he experienced this himself, Mr Hall says how his wartime missions left him "a bit flak happy" - he raises his hands and shakes them. The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. Walter Henry Powell and Cameron Clare Campbell, air gunners in front of the rear gun turret of a Wellington, UK, 1944. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Could this be the trip that we as a crew could prove with our new navigator and become fully operational with a main force target under our belts? Additionally, the first officer provides a second opinion on piloting decisions, keeping pilot error to a minimum. nuisance) to enemy soldiers and supply units; they also initiated However you could average 30,000 miles for the front. bomber. Some returning aircraft during the period have had their rear turret area shot up or blown off with gunfire. When U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Rob Wellbaum leaves the service hell end an entire era of aerial combat as Americas last bomber tail gunner. What Time Is The Tree Lighting Lancaster Pa? The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time. What percentage of RAF pilots died in WW2? Other unverified estimates put this figure at a much higher range of 30,000 or more tail gunner casualties. John Hall is drawing on his own wartime past to mentor current ex-military service personnel on how to cope with civilian life, John Hall was shot down twice and landed in the Channel both times, The life expectancy of a Lancaster rear gunner in WWII was only a few flights. It was strong enough to carry more than 1000 pounds (454 kilograms) of bombs and also had a firing tunnel--a hole through the bottom of the airplane that allowed the rear gunner to shoot the enemy below. Answer (1 of 4): The B-17 had two turret gunners-upper and ball. During World War 2, large bomber aircraft, such as the American Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the British Avro Lancaster, carried chemical toilets (basically a bucket with seat and cover, see bucket toilet); in British use, they were called Elsans after the company that manufactured them. Tail gunners had a short life expectancy overall, with most turret gunmen losing their lives before completing 5 sorties. Those who served six years or more, and all those medically discharged regardless of how long they have served, are entitled to the full resettlement programme, to help re-adjust to civilian life; those who served between four and six years qualify for the employment support programme, a tailored job-finding service. This cookie is used by the website's WordPress theme. Some other crewmembers also operated defensive guns as a secondary duty. Some estimates put the life expectancy of a tail gunner within two weeks or less. As we rocked to a halt, the engines closed down creating an eerie silence. Immediately the last report had been received the skipper initiated one of the many practice emergency drills. The target area is FW190 and ME109 country, and I continue the never-ending search. How many minutes does it take to drive 23 miles? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Here are some of the risks they encountered: The B-17 tail gunner life expectancy varied depending on many factors: While some sources estimate that their life expectancy was as short as two weeks (or 4 flights), others survived for years and completed dozens of successful missions. It was also the services last aircraft to even feature a tail gun, whatever its utility might have been at that point. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. But you had to stick it out or else you were labelled a coward," he added. But advancements in aircraft design added more gunners (and turrets) to aircraft, hence reducing a tail gunners duties. A typical tour of duty for a B-17 tail gunner was 25 missions. In fact, the B-52 is now slated to continue flying long after much newer bombers, the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit respectively, have already been sent out to pasture. Did the Ilyushin Il-2 destroy 70 tanks in just 20 minutes? During these lectures he talks about his own wartime experiences, how he managed to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and adapt to civilian life after leaving the services. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 5 gunners Out of 125,000 aircrews with gunners, over 57,200 (46%) were killed in action (KIA). By mid-1942, a German dive bombers' life expectancy in combat had fallen to less than five days. At last he was satisfied and he clambered out to have a word with our crew chief while we had a quick chat with the rest of the ground crew. Read about our approach to external linking. Flying Officer WE. Most famous event Sometimes it got 60 below, recalls one veteran. Their planes were not pressurized or heated. As always this large room was packed with about 90% of the station aircrew establishment and a fair number of ground crew. What is the difference between platform and station? How many planes did RAF squadron have in WW2? Can a general surgeon do a cardiothoracic surgery? Did the B 25 have a tail gunner? VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? 20 minutes. to live ! Frank, a physical training instructor had been one of the famous five in Bolton Wanderers forward line that had promised to do great things in the English First Division 1939/40 season, alas they were together for just a few games when the war intervened. I'm sorry but I still do not see anything to support your statement for central parachute storage being a dominant factor in the difference to RAF/USAAF aircrew survivability. Uniquely for a World War II attack aircraft, and similarly to the forward fuselage design of the World War I-era Imperial German Junkers J.I armored, all-metal biplane, the Il-2s armor was designed as a load-bearing part of the Ilyushins monocoque structure, thus saving considerable weight. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They were often injured or killed while on missions, and aircrew depended on them for protection and support. world war and everyone agreed with him. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. WWII Vickers Wellington medium bombers supports three gunners. How Much Savings Can A Pensioner Have In The Bank Uk? During takeoff, they all sat in the radio room behind the bomb baythe strongest part of the aircraft where the wings intersect with the fuselage. The MoD said all those leaving military service have access to the Regular Forces Employment Association and the Officers Association, charitable organisations that help service leavers with job finding. The Luftwaffe concentrated on developing a bombing direction system based on the Lorenz concept through the 1930s, as it made night navigation relatively easy by simply listening for signals on a radio set, and the necessary radios were already being installed on many aircraft. I was extremely lucky that the Doc found no sign of frostbite, and after an inspection of my burns on toe and ankle I was given clearance to play football that afternoon. He added: "John's wisdom and experience bring a great deal to the sessions and whilst he views the younger soldiers of today as heroes, they in turn idolise him and are astounded by the fact he was involved in so many bombing raids and was shot down on two occasions. "He spoke to me afterwards and stammered a bit. all this before taking into consideration the Mae West life-jacket and parachute. 1 What was the life expectancy of a WW2 tail gunner? About 23 out of 50 tail gunners in WWII lost their lives (over 40% death rate). Closed from 25th December 2023 to 2nd January 2024 The end of this particular story reveals plenty about how stress was combated in the 1940s. Remarkably, Mr Hall does not know what he was given his medal for, only that it was "For Valour", because he never saw his citation. Despite this . 71% of B-24 Liberator crews died in WWII, 5. The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. As always, he ended with a reminder to all rear gunners to set the correct wing span on the Giro Gun Sight, to be aggressive, and with final Good Luck! the briefing was completed. 8,325 aircraft were lost after 364,000 sorties in WWII, 6. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Read about our approach to external linking. The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For the last three months of service they should train you as a plumber or electrician, something they can use in civilian life.". "When a bloke's time is coming up he should be put on certain courses for retraining back into Civvy Street. Also, thousands of aircraft gunners were wounded during missions and over 3,000 taken prisoner. Almost immediately, there is a movement on the starboard quarter, slightly higher than ourselves, about 800 yards range it is a FW190 stalking us he maintains his position and range. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Next came my electric suit pressing in the sock connectors. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. "And the story I've had from one or two is that when they've tried to get a job, they're asked what they've been doing of late, as if all their time in the military doesn't count for much. Estimates for the life expectancy for a WWII Lancaster rear gunner vary but are never high, mostly about just five sorties. The very last of Winston Churchills famous few about whom he said: Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many.. Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by Donnie, May 18, 2013. With Bill Treen away, I had recommended to my Skipper that Sergeant Walford, from Flight Lieutenant Andersons crew, would take over as Mid-upper and I would man the rear turret. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Being a B-17 tail gunner was a tough and dangerous job, and the B-17 tail gunner life expectancy was relatively low compared to other positions on the plane. But eventually the canteen emptied leaving the dedicated staff of Salvation Army personnel who provided a welcome meeting place for aircrew and ground crews alike. Another potent weapon of the Il-2s was the PTAB shaped charge bomblets ( protivotankovaya aviabomba, anti-tank aviation bomb). For the last three months of service they should train you as a plumber or electrician, something they can use in civilian life.". How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? The life expectancy of a WW2 Rear-gunner varied but was never high, mostly about just 5 Sorties. To Il-2 pilots, the aircraft was simply the diminutive Ilyusha. 1935 Hrs:Start up time Pilot and Flight Engineer commence the procedure, the four Merlins with their magical sound turn the metal airframe into a pulsating living machine, trembling like a maiden going out on her first date. Both men were part of the allied forces trying to escape France as it was [], International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln, LN4 2HQ, Tue - Sun 9.30am - 5.00pm In total, there were 27 Gotha raids. "John is an inspirational character and his input is a crucial element of our work. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The English reported 835 killed and 1,990 wounded. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Everyone had to play their part to stay alive. As part of the 4132nd Army Air Force Base Unit of Garden City, Ware departed for Italy in April 1944, and he spent about six months in that country. The Vickers Wellington is a twin-engine, medium-range bomber used mostly for night bombing operations. However, some tail gunners survived years of combat, racking up dozens of successful missions in the process. The Lancaster rolls over plunging down to Earth and to her doom. "And the story I've had from one or two is that when they've tried to get a job, they're asked what they've been doing of late, as if all their time in the military doesn't count for much. What percentage of RAF pilots died in WW2? About Turn says Mr Hall's "wisdom and enthusiasm" helps to encourage those recently out of the military to get their lives back on track, by using examples from his own heroic wartime past. It took more than two B-17s to carry a comparable load into Germany. Based in the north-east of England, the charity aims to help ex-service personnel and their families. As we settle down on the heading for Grantham, I unlock the turret and begin the 180 degree square search pattern which is to be my task for the next eight hours. Bigger aircraft had up to three tail gunners, two pilots, bomb aimers, and wireless operators. "John is an inspirational character and his input is a crucial element of our work. It did not involve a B-17 or a B-24 facing off against a Luftwaffe attack, or a B-29 defending itself in the Korean WarTurner was a tail gunner on an aircraft still flying but not usually associated with machine gun defense: the B-52. Press ESC to cancel. Tony Wright, of About Turn, said Mr Hall sets the standard at the group sessions he attends by always being punctual and well dressed, and is "idolised" by those he meets there. Tony Wright, of About Turn, said Mr Hall sets the standard at the group sessions he attends by always being punctual and well dressed, and is "idolised" by those he meets there. How many US bomber crew were killed in ww2? Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . four weeks The average life expectancy of a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain was just four weeks. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The tail gunner manned the most useful position of allthe B-25 was one of the first bombers to have a tail gun. "Having that bit of security, knowing there's a job waiting for you when you come out, makes a difference. What is sunshine DVD access code jenna jameson? The average life expectancy of a WWII B-17 crew was 11 missions, 7. Remarkably, Mr Hall does not know what he was given his medal for, only that it was "For Valour", because he never saw his citation. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A REAR GUNNER - FRIDAY 23 FEB 1945. My next visit was to the PT section to see Flight Sergeant Frank Marsh the captain of our football team. Most B-17 crews comprised of 4 5 airmen (gunners included). What is the oldest bomber still in service? Last entry to the exhibition 4.00pm. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. We soon crossed over the continental coastline, and as we were in the third wave of the attacking force we were right at the end of the Bomber stream, I saw few of our aircraft throughout the whole flight. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In 1941, at the age of 20, Ernest Kuhl, now 89, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and trained in Panama City, Fla., to shoot a machine gun from a plane. Rear Gunners in Lancasters were given about 4o hrs flight time The scale of devastation wreaked on Germany by RAF Bomber Command in World War Two has been revealed in detail in rare maps, published for the first time. Benn was a British pilot officer in 1940 and served as an air gunner on multiple missions before retiring at 67. Tail gunner death rate is an important topic that has been researched extensively over the years. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Lancaster was one of the most dangerous places to be in the entire war the life expectancy of a new recruit was just two weeks. As always I devoured all placed before me; porridge, bacon, egg, sausage and fried bread followed by toast, marmalade and lashings of hot sweet tea. Through the entire operation, the Rear Gunner knew that the Luftwaffe fighter pilots preferred to attack from the rear and under the belly of the bomber, so he was often 1st in line for elimination. "He spoke to me afterwards and stammered a bit.