Originally Posted by
longer ron
Looking through some of the casualty lists - by late 1942/early 1943 most Stirling crews seemed to be single pilot.
Some of the earlier casualty lists with 2 Pilots listed had a navigator/observer,some did not have a navigator/observer listed.
Also as I posted above most Bomber Pilots did 1 or 2 'stooge' trips with an experienced skipper which woulkd show in a proportion of the losses.
Here's the 214 Sqdn Stirling loss site that pretty much verifies what you stated above. Most had one pilot and an FE even with the dual controls.
No. 214 (FMS) Squadron RAF - Crews and Losses - Stirling
Harris stated that his grand plan was to move the Stirlings and Halifaxes to Heavy Conversion Units (with crews completing a short Lancaster finishing school). However, in the 1942- early 43 timeframe, Lancasters were in short supply so he felt compelled to send them along on Ops (also including the Hampdens, Whitleys, and Wimpys still operational).
Should note that the Stirling could and did raid Italy as did Lancasters. Not sure about the Halifax.
Regarding the high number of OTU losses, the condition of the Wimpy's used in the OTUs were less than desirable with de-rated engines that, again form Peden's book, would give a foot and a half of altitude every 100 miles with undercart down and full flaps on overshoot. These same aircraft were sent on Ops.