The Harrowing Experience of WWII Gunners in a Douglas Dauntless Dive Bomber

An Uncle's Unspoken Tale

My uncle, Fred, was a radio operator and machine gunner aboard a Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber during World War II. The operational challenges and risks faced by these navy personnel were immense. Fred, a towering 6 feet tall, was forced to contort himself to be able to serve as a rear gunner. Despite his towering stature, he had to hunch over to fit into his seat and this hunched posture remained with him even after the war.

My father, a sargeant on the ground crews of the Cactus Air Force, was also involved with these aircraft. Though he managed to participate in a handful of missions, he rarely spoke about his experiences. It seems that mechanics were predominantly responsible for ensuring the planes operated efficiently, with pilots continuing their missions from carriers, but mechanics played a key role in supporting these aerial maneuvers. My father conditioned himself to ensure the plane was operational, a critical task for the safety and success of each mission. Fred, on the other hand, was a rear gunner and would have faced the dangerous task of shooting down approaching enemy aircraft.

The Rear Gunner's Role

The role of the rear gunner in a Douglas SBD Dauntless was no light task. Following steep dives to drop bombs, Japanese planes would chase them, attempting to shoot them down in mid-flight. The rear gunners had to not only work to counter these attacks but also manage the risk of accidentally damaging the planes with stray shots. As one squadron of rear gunners recounted, when the dive angle was too steep, ammunition belts from the rear gun could spill out and trail behind the plane, creating a dangerous and exposed scenario.

Given the high stakes of this role, measures were likely taken to ensure the rear gunners were not overloaded or accidentally disabled. Every aspect of their deployment had to be meticulously planned to safeguard the success of each operation. The rear gunner’s position required split-second judgment and a deep understanding of both aircraft and enemy tactics, all while under extreme pressure and in a hostile environment.

The Flying Boat Accident

Despite the harrowing experiences, Fred survived a near-fatal accident involving Martin PBM flying boats in a two-plane formation. The tragic incident occurred in Galveston, Texas, where two of these flying boats unexpectedly collided during a routine training exercise. Miraculously, Fred managed to rescue two men from the blazing wreckage, and one of them even survived. This experience underscored the risks and the inherent danger of their role but also highlighted the bravery of these servicemen.

The experience with Fred and my father has left an indelible mark on our family, reminding us of the sacrifices and the dangers faced by those who fought in World War II. The stories they shared and their dedication to their duties have become cherished family anecdotes, and the legacy of these brave individuals continues to live on.

The Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber served as a critical weapon in the Allied air forces, and the experiences of its rear gunners remain a testament to the exceptional skill and bravery required to operate in such a demanding environment.