![]() Six little Pilot Boys, in a West- End “Dive”: He talked too much when he was tight, then there were Six Seven little Pilot Boys, one thought his drinks he’d mix: The Line was an open one and then there were Seven. The girl was paid by Germany and then there were Eight.Įight little Pilot Boys, one used a ‘phone to Devon: Nine little Pilot Boys, one had a heavy Date: Ten little Pilot Boys, one shot a fancy Line:įifth Columnists were listening and then there were Nine. On the Dash in front of him were many Dials & Switches, which included the essential Flying Instruments Air Speed Indicator, Artificial Horizon, Turn & Bank Indicator and Rate of Climb/Descent Indicator among them, while the Throttle Levers & Propeller Speed Controls were mounted on a Central Console where they could be reached by both the Pilot & the Flight Engineer. Low to the Pilot’s left was the Compass, but to allow him to Steer without constantly having to glance inside the Cockpit, a Compass Repeater was mounted on the Centre Strut of the divided Windshield. At his feet were the Rudder Pedals, which were used for Flat Turns to either side. The Column moved backwards & forwards to control the elevators in the tail, causing the Aircraft to Climb or Dive, while the Yoke moved like a car Steering Wheel, controlling the Ailerons in the Wings to make the Aircraft Bank to left or right. Straight in front of the Pilot was the Control Column, topped with a Wheel type Yoke. Behind his Head was the only piece of Armour Plating that a Lancaster carried, a 4mm thick sheet of Armour, the top part of which could be folded down. There was a direct-vision Panel on either side of the Windshield, and in the Canopy Roof was an Escape Hatch, for use in a Crash-landing or Ditching. Up front, his seat on a Raised Floor section to the Left of the Main Cabin, he had a good all-round view through the framed Canopy, albeit slightly restricted to the Rear & to Starboard. Regardless of Rank, the P ilot was Captain and always in Command of the Aircraft. They generally spent many of their off-duty hours together as well as the 1st day or 2 of Leave. Most felt that their crew was one of the best in Bomber Command. ![]() This camaraderie was crucial to maintaining morale and efficiency in the Air. However, they quickly bonded together to form a very special, tightly-knit group. Invariably all were very young, a man of 25 would likely be referred to as the “ Old Man” or “ Grandpa.” They were of different Ranks, came from all walks of life, and often from more that one Country. This book was signed by the Flight Leader each month and by the Commanding Officer of the Squadron or the various Trade Leaders at the end of the Tour (eg: a Bomb Aimer’s Log would be signed by the Bombing Leader, the Gunner’s by the Gunnery Leader etc.).Ī Lancaster Crew numbered 7 – the Pilot, Flight Engineer, Navigator, Wireless (Radio) Operator, Bomb Aimer/Front Gunner, Mid-upper Gunner & Rear Gunner. Flying Log: every Crew Member was required to keep a Flying Logbook of every Flight he took including Air Tests, Transport, Training & Operational Flying.
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