Interesting pictures, Zetec. It would seem that what little daylight was available to the Nav in his subterranean office came through 4 apertures in the decking enclosed by the glazing connecting the pilot and air gunner canopies. Presumably he had to forego this when said glazing was overpainted as in the pic that you posted. Would it be a mod to cut down reflections from this veritable flying Kew Gardens that could attract some unwelcome attention?
The other pic is so sad. Is there anything more likely to depress someone who has flown a particular aircraft type (civil or military) than such a scene? All that ingenuity, all that danger, all those memories, and all ending up in an untidy heap awaiting final execution.
Geriaviator, your man is uncommonly self effacing. He loses his leader but nevertheless presses on to the target area. Problem is there are no targets so he returns full of angst as well as bombs. At least he has a crew to back up his claim. I've always wondered how a lone pilot (fighters usually, but other roles as well) could justify their lack of success in a similar situation. It must have been a common enough experience. The tales of wingmen losing their leader, section, flight, or squadron in the melee, indeed losing sight of all other aircraft entirely and emerging from the battle into clear blue sky are legendary. Were they consoled, lectured, or simply ignored by those who had learned how to hang on to both leader and to life?