Air gunner remembers lucky escape

Kyt · Mar 12, 2009

Second World War air gunner remembers lucky escape (From York Press)

DAYLIGHT bombing raids in support of the Desert Rats have been recalled by a former air gunner during a memory lane visit to a York airbase.

Ron Briscoe, 83, from Copmanthorpe, York, flew B-26 Marauders based in Egypt and later Italy. His squadron’s primary role was to fly bombing raids to assist the 8th Army and to support commandos who were clearing routes for 7th Armoured Division tanks during the mainland campaign.

Mr Briscoe told hosts at RAF Linton-on-Ouse about one mission which he was lucky to survive.

He said: “I saw the wing from another Marauder go whizzing past my turret. There were flames and bits of debris everywhere. Not surprisingly, it hit us and we lost an engine.

“The skipper ordered us to prepare to bale out so we all moved to our positions. After a while I noticed that the intercom was disconnected, so I plugged it back in and spoke to the pilot. ‘Oh’ he said. ‘You’re still there are you? Didn’t you hear the order to bale out?’ “I replied that we heard him tell us to prepare, but must have missed the next bit. ‘Right’, he said. ‘You’d better stay where you are and we’ll try to get back on one engine’.”

The crew returned safely to their base at Jesi near Ancona and were met by their commanding officer who immediately sent them on leave.

In total, Mr Briscoe flew 41 operational missions – enough to win him a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM). But although a member of the RAF, his wartime service was spent with the South African Air Force and that meant he missed out on his DFM.

When the war ended, one of Mr Briscoe’s postings was to Staff Headquarters in Athens. He reported for duty and was told he would now be a driver for VIPs.

“Oh I said, that’ll be interesting. ‘Yes’ came the reply ‘you will meet some very interesting people.’ “I said ‘No, I didn’t mean that, it will be far more interesting for them... I can’t drive’.”
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war hawk · Mar 12, 2009

slightly offtopic: Wasn't the B-26 Marauder nicknamed the Widowmaker.?

Antipodean Andy · Mar 12, 2009

Good to hear about another Marauder crewman - http://ww2chat.com/forums/obituaries/4589-flight-lieutenant-gil-graham-rip.html - particularly one who flew with the SAAF.

But although a member of the RAF, his wartime service was spent with the South African Air Force and that meant he missed out on his DFM.
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What the...?

Wasn't the B-26 Marauder nicknamed the Widowmaker?
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Yes it was, WH, mainly for its reputation in training.

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