A Bomber Command aircrew operated as a team. Each member was mutually dependent on the others and each had a vital part to play in ensuring that the aircraft reached its target, dropped its bombs and safely returned to base. The crew all shared the same experiences and dangers.

Until 1942, each aircraft had two pilots and dual-role aircrew: an observer (or navigator) who also acted as bomb-aimer and a wireless operator who was also the air gunner. When the heavy bombers were introduced, a flight engineer replaced the second pilot and the other crew members were given single, specialised roles.

These are the key roles and responsibilities of a heavy bomber crew during the Second World War.

Photographs

Pilot

The pilot of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron in his position prior to take-off at Linton-On-Ouse, Yorkshire.
© IWM D 6051
The pilot of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron in his position prior to take-off at Linton-On-Ouse, Yorkshire.

The pilot of a bomber crew flew the aircraft throughout the operation and co-ordinated the actions of the other crew members. He was the captain of the aircraft regardless of his rank (in relation to other crew members) and the most important crew member. He was responsible for the lives of all the crew and the aircraft whilst in the air. If an emergency evacuation of the aircraft was necessary, the pilot had to stay at the controls and be the last to leave.

Photographs

Navigator

Half-length portrait of Pilot Officer J H Smythe RAFVR of Sierra Leone, a newly-qualified navigator, photographed while undergoing training at No 11 Operational Training Unit, Westcott, Buckinghamshire, England.
© IWM CH 10739
Half-length portrait of Pilot Officer J H Smythe RAFVR of Sierra Leone, a newly-qualified navigator, photographed while undergoing training at No 11 Operational Training Unit, Westcott, Buckinghamshire, England.

The navigator was responsible for keeping the aircraft on course at all times, reaching the target and then the home base. He had to maintain a high level of concentration for virtually the whole of the flight, which could be up to seven hours. Until 1942, the navigator was also responsible for aiming and releasing the bombs.

Photographs

Bomb-Aimer

The bomb aimer in an Avro Lancaster, checking over the instruments in his position before take off from Scampton, Lincolnshire.
© IWM CH 9129
The bomb aimer in an Avro Lancaster, checking over the instruments in his position before take off from Scampton, Lincolnshire.

The role of bomb-aimer was introduced in 1942 as the new heavy bombers required seven-man crews. The bomb-aimer took control of the aircraft when it was on its bombing run. He would lie flat in the nose of the aircraft, directing the pilot until the bombs were released and the bombing photograph was taken. The photograph was the proof that the operation had been completed, which meant the crew could count it towards their total number of operations carried out. The bomb-aimer could act as a reserve pilot in an emergency as he would have received some flying training.

Photographs

Flight Engineer

The flight engineer of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron RAF, at his work station aft of the pilot's position, prior to take-off from Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. He is wearing a Type B helmet and 1930 Pattern flying suit.
© IWM D 6011
The flight engineer of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron RAF, at his work station aft of the pilot's position, prior to take-off from Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. He is wearing a Type B helmet and 1930 Pattern flying suit.

The role of flight engineer was introduced in 1942 as the new heavy bombers required seven-man crews. The flight engineer controlled the aircraft's mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and fuel systems. He also assisted the pilot with take-off and landing. In an emergency, the flight engineer would also be needed to give accurate fuel calculations. He was also the reserve bomb-aimer and helped to look out for enemy fighters. On the ground, he also liaised with the ground crew, who were responsible for servicing and maintaining the aircraft.

Photographs

Wireless Operator

The wireless operator of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron RAF, in his position prior to take-off at Linton-On-Ouse, Yorkshire.
© IWM D 6053
The wireless operator of a Handley-Page Halifax of No. 35 Squadron RAF, in his position prior to take-off at Linton-On-Ouse, Yorkshire.

The wireless operator transmitted all messages to and from the aircraft to their base. He had fewer duties than the other crew members as operations were generally conducted in wireless silence. However, he also served as the reserve gunner and addressed any minor emergencies in any part of the aircraft. If the aircraft got into difficulties he had to send out positional signals. If the aircraft had to ditch into the sea, he had to remain at his post to send out a distress signal to improve the crew's chance of being located and rescued.

Photographs

Mid-Upper and Rear Turret Gunners

A gunner, believed to be Sergeant J Bell, looks through the opening in the perspex of the rear turret of Avro Lancaster R5740/`KM-O'. The four guns shown are Browning .303 machine guns.
© IWM TR 187
A gunner, believed to be Sergeant J Bell, looks through the opening in the perspex of the rear turret of Avro Lancaster R5740/`KM-O'.

The mid-upper and rear turret gunners were physically separated from the other five crew members. They were confined to their respective turrets for the whole flight. Their main duty was to advise the pilot of enemy aircraft movements to allow him to take evasive action and to defend the aircraft against enemy fighters.

Find out more about what it was really like for the young men who fought and flew as part of a bomber crew during the Second World War with The Lancaster Experience at IWM Duxford. IWM's family summer activity lets you see inside this legendary aircraft. 

Bomber Command

Vickers Wellington Mk Is of No. 9 Squadron in flight, 1939.
© IWM CH 17
Second World War

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Handley Page Hampden of No. 83 Squadron with crew, seated on a loaded bomb trolley at Scampton, 2 October 1940.
© IWM HU 104656
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Spitfire pilots pose beside the wreckage of a Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, 1940.
© IWM (CH 2064)
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Halifax B Mark VI, NP831, awaiting delivery at the bomber production line, Radlett, Hertfordshire.
© IWM (ATP 13205D)
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A Whitley crew preparing for a night sortie in November 1941. The ground crew wait patiently as last-minute adjustments are made to the pilot's flying clothing at dispersal. Note the parachutes and map bags on the ground, and the thermos flask- an essential item of personal kit for a seven-hour flight a draughty Whitley.
IWM (CH 4188)
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The V bombers in flight together from RAF Gaydon, January 1958.
© IWM RAF T 0531
Second World War

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Second World War Bomber aircraft

A Consolidated B-24 Liberator in flight
© Wikipedia Commons
IWM Duxford

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B-17 video thumbnail
© IWM
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IWM presenter Graham Rodgers standing in front of a P-51D Mustang
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Headshot of Pilot Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal of the 100th Bomb Group superimposed on top of an image of a B-17 in flight.
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Lieutenant Vernon R Richards of the 361st Fighter Group fliying his P-51 Mustang (B7-R, serial number 44-13357) nicknamed "Tika IV".
© IWM FRE 6210
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