The Secret Survival Techniques of WWII Tail Gunners

In the dangerous skies of World War II, tail gunners held one of the most isolated yet critical positions on bomber aircraft. Seated at the rear of the plane, they were responsible for defending against enemy fighters. The position required constant vigilance and quick reactions to spot and shoot down attacking planes before the bomber could be damaged. Despite their panoramic views of the sky, tail gunners worked under immense pressure, knowing that any hesitation could lead to disaster. Their role was as dangerous as it was essential, often placing them directly in harm’s way.

Evolution of Tail Gunner Positions

The role of the tail gunner began during the First World War, with early examples including the Sikorsky Ilya Muromets S-25 and the British Handley Page V/1500 bombers. These early designs featured open gunner positions, which left the crew exposed to the elements and enemy fire. During the interwar years, advancements in aircraft technology led to the development of enclosed gunner turrets and improved firepower.

By the time World War II began, tail gunner positions had become more sophisticated. The British Avro Lancaster featured a turret armed with four Browning .303 machine guns, while the Handley Page Halifax carried similar armament. American bombers, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress, also showcased advanced tail gunner setups, with the B-29 even incorporating remote-controlled gun turrets. These innovations improved the tail gunner’s chances of survival but did little to lessen the immense risks they faced.

Tales of Survival Against the Odds

Tail gunners frequently operated under extreme conditions. The cramped space of the turret made it difficult to wear a parachute, leaving many gunners with no easy escape if their aircraft was hit. In some cases, the electrical systems powering the turret could fail, trapping the gunner in place. Breaking out of the turret often became a last resort for survival.

One remarkable story of survival involves Alan Magee, a B-17 tail gunner. During a mission over France in January 1943, Magee’s plane was struck by enemy fire. Thrown from the aircraft at an altitude of 20,000 feet without a parachute, he plummeted toward the ground. Incredibly, he survived by crashing through the glass roof of a train station and landing on a pile of coal. Though severely injured, Magee lived to tell his story.

Another extraordinary case was Nicholas Alkemade, a tail gunner in an RAF Lancaster bomber. During a raid on Berlin in 1944, his aircraft was attacked and caught fire. With his parachute damaged, Alkemade chose to jump from 18,000 feet rather than face being burned alive. His fall was broken by pine trees and soft snow, allowing him to survive with only a sprained leg. Captured by German forces, his account was initially met with disbelief until his parachute was examined and confirmed to be unusable.

The Final Days of the Tail Gunner

By the Vietnam War, the tail gunner’s role was becoming obsolete due to advancements in air-to-air missiles and long-range radar systems. The last recorded instance of a tail gunner shooting down an enemy plane occurred on December 24, 1972, when Albert Moore, aboard a B-52 Stratofortress, successfully downed a MiG-21. However, this success highlighted the risks of radar systems attracting enemy missiles, further contributing to the decline of the role.

The stories of tail gunners are a testament to their bravery and resilience under extraordinary circumstances. Their contributions played a vital role in protecting their crews and ensuring the success of critical bombing missions during some of history’s most dangerous aerial battles.