It was very rare to see what the men behind the scenes actually did during WW2 .. Here you see some of the crews who were responsible for keeping the Lancaster's flying ... W/O's and NCO's Armorer'sourers W/T Mechanics Electricians and Instrument Mechanics Engine Fitters Spark Plug Testers Air-frame Engineers Radio Mechanics This picture shows the handling crews and the amount of bomb load that was Lancaster'ssend 20 Lancasters over to bomb Berlin ... This picture depicts the crews who manned both the petrol and oil tankerextinguishersthe fire extingueshers and oxygen cylinders ...
I believe that every bomber had its own dedicated ground crew who looked after it while it was at its dispersal point, it was their aircraft until the pilot signed for it on the "form 700". Then there were the crews of specialists who were involved in "majors"; those more extensive jobs which required the aeroplane to be taken out of the line and into a hangar, jobs such as replacing larger items like engines, undercarriage, modifications and so on. They all deserve recognition for their heroic work in keeping the RAF in the air. Pilots usually got the glory, aircrews sometimes got the medals but all the ground crews ever got was at best a mention in dispatches, a pat on the back or yet another busted up bomber. A huge vote of thanks must go to all the "Erks" who kept us in the fight.
You are correct Brian, without thinking, these guys would never be thought of in victory parades etc .. :lame:
