Counting victories for two-seaters...

Lufbery · 1 May 2001, 10:46 AM

So, what's the best way to count victories for two-seaters? Should the gunner and the pilot share credit? Should they each get full credit?

Alternately, how were vics awarded to two-seaters? Did the different services do it differently?

-Drew

Graeme · 1 May 2001, 11:14 AM

The RFC etc gave a full credit to each man, regardless of who actually fired the fatal shot. While this might seem reasonable for Bristol Fighter, DH4 and DH9 crews, it seems less sensible for FE2s crews where only the observer had a gun!

Graeme

1 May 2001, 01:00 PM

No the pilot and observer work as a team, it should be a 1/2 credit to both. Personally i see nothing wrong with awarding a full credit to both in those days. It was dangerous (often unrewarding, look at Atkey's 2 MC for all his effort) business being in a 2-seater.

5 May 2001, 03:50 PM

Didn't later FE2D versions have another Lewis gun mounted along the side of the nacelle for the pilot's use?

Bob