Just to add to the preceding posts, we had an ex-LAC Fairey Battle A/G in 30 Sqn Assn. He had the same experience as others mentioned here. Against overwhelming opposition (both from the air and from the ground) his crew succeeded in bombing their target canal bridge in Belgium. The other two crew members, pilot and nav, and both commissioned officers, were decorated for their courage in pressing home the attack. He wasn't.
When he later complained that his gun barrel was overheating whilst returning fire against attacking Me109's, he was told, "Don't fire it so much then!".
He resented his treatment to his dying day.
Edited to say sorry, Geriaviator, I see you've already posted my dit!
Last edited by Chugalug2; 3rd Oct 2022 at 17:43.
Reason: Scooped!