I was quite sad to learn that Tom McLean has passed away. He was a brilliant, if not the most brilliant, aerial gunner and a good man according to those who knew him.
http://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2011/08/15/warrant-officer-tom-mclean-dfc-dfm-†/
By: richw_82 - 15th August 2011 at 23:27
One of “Duffy’s Mob” on 617 Sqn. The account in Tom Bennett’s book of the battle between his Lancaster and the three night fighters is a real thriller. It always impresses me when you read of the innovative way that crew went about the defence of their aircraft.
For instance – a system was worked out with the pilot (Flt Lt Bill Duffy) of the Lanc whereby at a prearranged signal he would chop the throttles and bring the night fighter suddenly into range of both the gunners .303’s. There was WO Mclean’s own mix of ammo, dispensing with the ball round in favour of tracer and armour piercing rounds – to better effect.
RIP. Another hero gone.
Rich
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August 15, 2011 at 11:08 pm