The bombers used in World War II were large, slow and easy for the enemy to identify. Fighters from the enemy often targeted them from behind. A team member was sent back with a weapon. The person in charge of the gun mounted at the rear of the plane. He sat by himself looking at the sky and waiting for any danger. The job was not easy and often isolating.
In most instances the tail gunner did not manage to down any enemy planes. This was not what we intended. His job involved instilling fear in others. Ensure that getting close could put one in danger. The experiment went as planned. Aircraft had to dodge and turn sideways. It will be more difficult to take cover from the rear.
Having a tail gunner on the B-17 was very important. They did their part to save the crew. However on smaller planes the benefits were sometimes not enough. The excess weight made the process slower.
Jets were introduced and the job slowly began to disappear. Planes were able to fly faster. Weapons improved in technology. No longer was it necessary to have a gunman positioned in the rear.
At the time of the war the tail gunners had a significant role. They served as the final protection. They provided help allowing bomber aeroplanes to have a chance of returning home. That was all for now.
