Each Halifax had a Ground Crew. This was made up of skilled Craftsmen who Serviced & Repaired the Aircraft, so that it could fly for the next mission.
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Working conditions were challenging. Ground crew worked in all types of weather, generally at exposed aircraft dispersal points that were located around the perimeter of the airfield. Some erected crude, temporary shelters at their aircraft's dispersal. Occasionally, work was done in draughty hangars. It was not uncommon to work through the night under black-out conditions.
Engineers and Armourers
Support on the Ground in the Battle of Britain
Engineers worked frequently on aircraft, repairing damage after missions and carrying out vital maintenance to get them flight ready. Armourers were responsible for bombs, defensive ammunition and flares at the airfields. They re-armed aircraft guns when they landed and fused and loaded bombs onto aircraft.
Image: IWM (CH 1297)
Riggers and Fitters
Riggers and fitters were responsible for preparing aircraft for missions - wheeling them into position, checking them over and warming the engines. When pilots were ‘scrambled’ fitters started the aircraft engines while riggers strapped pilots into their parachutes - all packed by WAAFs - before the fitter jumped out and the pilot climbed in and took off.
Image: IWM (CH 17971)
Ground crew
As well as carrying out their regular duties, members of the ground crew would be called upon during German raids on their airfields. They towed damaged aircraft away from runways to make room for others to land, repaired damage from raids, fought fires and helped pilots out of their aircraft. Ground crew fulfilled these responsibilities whilst sometimes under fire themselves, leaving them extremely vulnerable. Many were killed during the Battle of Britain.
William Uyen
November 18, 1943 HisStory during the Air-battle of Berlin March 31, 1944
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