Originally Posted by
Hipper
I also note in the Wiki article that the crewing of the Stirling was different from the other four engine bombers. The Stirling had two pilots and a Flight Engineer, as well as a Navigator/Bomb Aimer, compared to the others having one pilot, a Flight Engineer, Navigator and Air Bomber/Gunner. Unless this was later changed, would this have been another reason for preferring Halifaxes and Lancasters?
Pre war and until early 42, bombers carried 2 pilots. Even Wellingtons and Whitleys had 2 pilots. The 2nd pilot would usually do other duties to assist the crew. The decision was taken ,to allow the force to grow, to do away with 2nd pilots and the specialist trade of Flight Engineer was introduced as the 4 engined bombers came more to the fore. Air Bombers also became a specialist trade, relieving the Observer, who now became a Navigator. A number of Bomb Aimers were failed pilots and they or the Flight Engineer would assist the pilot, especially if he was incapacitated. There were a number of cases of Bomb Aimers flying and landing a bomber home after the pilot was incapacitated.