Tail Gunner
RAF Poster
Sgt Lawrence Casey in his "Office"
Photograph 3
Close up of turret inside
Physical position and conditions
He sat in the rear turret. He had the control yoke between his legs and used this to rotate the turret and elevate his 4 x .303 machine guns. Very cramped. Space too small to store parachute - stored outside the turret. No time to get out of the turret and put parachute on resulting in many rear gunners not escaping in an emergency. Usually the crew member who got the coldest!
Dress
A typical uniform consisted of a helmet, oxygen mask, parachute, boots, shirt, trousers, tie, gloves, a whistle and an escape kit. The mid upper gunner would also wear a flying suit as these positions meant that they were exposed to the elements. It was electrically heated and adapted for use under extreme conditions by using a variety of electrically heated linings, gloves and boots
Responsibilities
Because of his position and what he could see, it was often the rear gunners who advised the pilot what evasive action was required