Arming for Accuracy: RAF Bomb Aimers During the Second World War

During the First World War, fledgling crews in basic aircraft experimented with dropping grenades and small bombs. The need for elements of accuracy became obvious and evolved from that point onwards. The various light bombers that flew during the inter-war period developed procedures which carried on into the early years of the Second World War. Bomber Command eventually witnessed the large 4-engined ‘Heavy Bombers’, namely the Handley Page Halifax, Shorts Stirling, and Avro Lancaster, develop into significant bomb carrying aerial platforms. This book will provide the reader with an explanation of the origin of Bomb Aimers, the training of these men and the complexity of dropping many types of bomb ordinance is an enthralling story. Technical and scientific developments are examined to provide an understanding of the trade that enabled the Bomb Aimers wing to be awarded to the men who volunteered at this time. Many gallantry medals were won by Bomb Aimers. Accounts of dangerous operational flying will be revealed by Bomb Aimers in numerous aircraft. This book will examine true accounts that took place; many will be based upon personal flying logbooks and other unique material originating from the aircrew themselves.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; Bomber Command Leadership and Direction; Bomb Sight Evolution; Patrick Blackett BA OM Ch PRs Scientist; Dorothy Robson BSc ‘Bombsight Bertha’; Alan Blumlein Scientist; Training for Bomb Aimers; Armourers; Harold Pullen Bomb Aimer; Gardening; Wilfred Comber Isted DFM Bomb Aimer; George Philip Barrell Bomb Aimer; Passenger to Frankfurt 1943; Flak, Searchlights and Decoys; Richard Randall Bomb Aimer; Bomb Aimers Panel; Bomb Aimers Computer; Bomb Aimers Camera; Guinea Pig Bomb Aimers; Taking to Silk; ; Bibliography.