Halifax Bomber - Explore the Port Fuselage

[@dthievin]

My father was a wireless operator in Mk. III Halleys with the Alouette Squadron. That squadron was based in Tholthorpe. He survived 28 operations and was screened just weeks before Germany surrendered. My question is the same as Robert Donnelly's. The rear gunner in this drawing looks as though he's completely unable to aim and fire from that chair.

[@ukaircraftexplored6556]

Yes, I see watch you mean. The Gunner would have sat in the Boulton Paul Rear Turret. This is a genuine early Handley Page Drawing. Maybe the original idea was to have a rest seat for the gunner.

[@dthievin]

Oh, wouldn't that have been nice. But it turns out, at least from everything I've read about those poor guys, there was no such luxury. They were cramped in there from start to finish on every operation. They desperately feared leaving for a bathroom break in case it meant missing a sighting of a German fighter and ultimately being the cause death for everyone.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

Nice one Bryan, looking forward to the rest of the series on the Halifax, so different to the Lancaster, especially the rear turret gunner position.

[@ukaircraftexplored6556]

Thanks Dave

[@patfontaine5917]

Can’t wait to see the detailed production about the rear turret. Who knew the gunner sat outside the turret?

[@patfontaine5917]

Awesome aircraft. I’ve always considered the Halifax as similar to the Lancaster - after watching, I’m so wrong. Much to learn. Still, a beautiful work horse. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[@ukaircraftexplored6556]

Thanks Pat, I've got lots to do!

[@perengkjr9623]

Excellent content! Have you contemplated to cover the famous Wellington bomber too? Keep up the good work! Best regards Per E. Danmark.

[@ukaircraftexplored6556]

Yes, the Wimpey will be covered at some point. Thanks for watching!

[@robertdonnelly434]

'Wondering IF the rear gunner used the "seat" shown in the drawing when in action, OR if a more typical inside the turret seating position was there... GREAT series Brian. My dad was MUG on ME-746, AS-R2, 166 Squadron from September, '44 through March, '45... I've learned a helluva lot from your work. MANY thanks! Cheers from Canada!

[@ukaircraftexplored6556]

The Rear Gunner would be seated within the Boulton Paul Type E Gun Turret. For this video, I have replicated an original Handley Page Drawing into colour, and it is exactly at it was drawn. The original drawing is over 6 foot long! So it took me a great deal of work to get it ready for the video. Many weeks of graphic work were involved. I hope you enjoyed seeing it. I'm posting the plan view video next week.