The gripping true story of one of the deadliest roles of World War II. Nicknamed ‘Tail-end Charlies,’ air gunners faced staggering odds, with fewer than one in three surviving their missions. Who were these unsung heroes of the air forces? Why was their role so deadly? And what was it like to see a Messerschmitt hurtling towards you as you tried to fight them off and protect the rest of your crew? Chaz Bowyer draws on a wealth of personal recollections from the USAAF, RAAF, and RAF to provide a remarkably detailed account of these courageous men. This poignant and gripping narrative brings to life the vital yet perilous role they played in the strategic bomber offensive of the Second World War. Bowyer also explores how the role of the air gunner evolved, tracing its origins back to the infancy of military aviation in World War I. ‘Excellent’ RAF News ‘Compelling reading for those who remember what it was like and for those who have the imagination and sympathy to be intrigued’ Journal of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators ‘Bowyer brings the hair-raising job alive’ Birmingham Post Guns in the Sky is a fitting tribute to these brave men, vividly recreating their harrowing experiences while offering an in-depth exploration of the origins, evolution, and tactics of air gunnery.