RAF Air Gunners Aircrew flying kit Bomber Command NW Europe 1942-45

RAF Flight Sergeants  Air Gunners flying NW Europe 1942-45

Serving in Bomber Command during WW2 flying over ocupied Germany in either a Lancaster bomber or a Wellingtion Bomber this RAF Flight Sergeant is a Air Gunner who's job is to protect the heavy bombers from German Luftwaffe Night fighter's which had evolved at great speed to become extremely effective, most of the new heavy bombers had three power operated gun turrets usually sited in the nose, dorsal (mid upper) and rear (tail) positions requiring an additional gunner. The traditional tail end Charlie "Rear Gunner" continued in place facing rearwards with his quad mounted .303 Browning machine guns while an additional air gunner, known as the "Mid Upper" gunner climbed up into a sling harness to man a power operated dorsal turret on the top of the fuselage. 

His uniform has changed much since the Battle of Britian with a now general Issue uniform to both officers and other ranks which proves more practical in the air.

From his Battledress Jacket  eyelet hangs his ACME whistle which is the mark of an active aircrew member and was kept here handy if the pilot had to parachute out and would be used to attract a rescue party.

He wears the latter pattern 1941 Mae west over his blue battle dress and White roll neck to keep him warm 

C type helmet with his MK8 googles both introduced after 1942 and are obvious differences that this is a Mid to late war  RAF  Air Crew. 

He carries his RAF Holdall thats was deigned for his parachute but proves popluar when carring all his other warm kit and food to the plane for a long cold night flight over germany.