Bomber Command Crew (Rear Gunner) Gift Card - Blank inside

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Size: 4″×6″

The Rear Gunner was one of the most exposed members of an RAF Bomber Command crew during the Second World War. Positioned in the turret at the extreme rear of heavy bombers such as the Lancaster, Halifax and Stirling, his principal duty was to maintain a constant lookout for enemy fighters and defend the aircraft when attacked.

The Rear Gunner spent long periods alone in a cramped and extremely cold turret, scanning the darkness for approaching aircraft. If a fighter was sighted, he warned the pilot and helped coordinate evasive manoeuvres such as the defensive corkscrew while opening fire when necessary. In the Lancaster, the standard rear turret was typically armed with four .303-inch Browning machine guns.

Early detection of an attacking fighter could be critical to the crew’s survival. The role demanded exceptional concentration, good night vision, accurate gunnery and the ability to remain alert for hours under difficult conditions, making the Rear Gunner a vital part of the bomber’s defensive system.

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