RAAF Flying Officer Henry Erb, a mid-upper gunner, in his position in a No. 460 Squadron Lancaster at Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England, c. June–December 1943. Erb was awarded the DFC in January 1945 for his courage during an operation to the Ruhr, when he remained at his turret, despite a wound to his head, until his aircraft had crossed the English coast on its return journey. The mid-upper gunner sat on a seat that was little more than a sling. Absolute vigilance was required from him, as his role was to keep an all-round lookout for enemy fighters and other aircraft in the bomber stream which might be getting too close. His eyes needed to be fully adapted to the dark and his night vision and alertness were even more important than his ability to hit an enemy fighter with his .303 Browning machine guns. [AWM P05155.021]
Copyright expired - public domain