Bomber Crew Morale in WW2

How Bomber Command’s Airmen Faced Terrible Odds in the Second World War

Peter Croft

• Publisher: Air World
• Year: 2026
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9781036131463
• Subtopic: 20th Century History
• Index: History

During the Second World War, 125,000 aircrew served in RAF Bomber Command, of whom a staggering 55,573 were killed—about 44% of those who joined its ranks. Despite these odds, aircrews climbed into their aircraft night after night, facing near-certain death. How did they maintain morale in the face of such peril?

RAF High Command recognized the importance of morale but struggled to define it. Their efforts focused on discipline, providing reliable equipment, and strong leadership. However, the intrinsic qualities of the aircrews were also vital. The crews, composed of young, patriotic men, showed stoicism, resolve, and camaraderie. The individual actions of each crew member became critical to their survival, and they relied on one another, knowing that failure could mean death.

Besides combat risks like flak and night fighters, airmen faced numerous dangers such as mechanical failure, lack of oxygen, fatigue, and accidents during take-off and landing. Even without enemy threats, flying was inherently risky.

This work honours the bravery of Bomber Command’s men—those who survived and those whose lives were cut short—and reflects on their extraordinary courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Glossary of Chapter Headings, as Defined in A Dictionary of RAF Slang
• List of Illustrations
• Initialisms and Abbreviations
• Senior Bomber Command and Air Ministry Personnel, Whose Memoranda and Minutes Affected the Lives of Aircrew
• Acknowledgements
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: The Zeitgeist
• Chapter 2: Volunteers
• Chapter 3: A Bomber Type: Selection and Training
• Chapter 4: The Crew
• Chapter 5: The Squadron
• Chapter 6: The Bomber Station
• Chapter 7: Collecting a Gong: Incentives
• Chapter 8: Ringmasters: Leadership
• Chapter 9: Bags of Bull: Discipline
• Chapter 10: Are You Happy in Your Work?: Humour and Argot
• Chapter 11: Bus Drivers: The Tour
• Chapter 12: There’s No Future in It: Combat
• Chapter 13: Newton Got Him: Occupational Hazards
• Chapter 14: Bang On!: Bombing Results
• Chapter 15: Sex-Appeal Bombing: Ethics
• Chapter 16: Teased Out: Flying Stress
• Chapter 17: Frozen on the Stick: Waverers
• Chapter 18: Life With the Lions: Nine Months in the Life of 427 (RCAF) Squadron
• Conclusion: A Matter of Life and Death
• Endnotes
• Bibliography
• Index
• Plates