James Parker Fitchett
Airforce: Royal Air Force (RAF)
Rank: Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt)
Duty: Flight Engineer
Service number: 1150600
* Harborne, Birmingham, United Kingdom
† May 28th, 1943, Witmarsum, Netherlands
Task during mission
The role of flight engineer was introduced in 1942 as the new heavy bombers required seven-man crews. The flight engineer controlled the aircraft’s mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and fuel systems. He also assisted the pilot with take-off and landing. In an emergency, the flight engineer would also be needed to give accurate fuel calculations. He was also the reserve bomb-aimer and helped to look out for enemy fighters. On the ground, he also liaised with the ground crew, who were responsible for servicing and maintaining the aircraft.
