[Jim Oxley]

As far as I'm aware (and please correct me if I'm wrong) in RAF Heavies only the pilot actually wore his parachute (he sat on it). For the remainder of the crew parachutes were stored on clips at various places around the aircraft. In the event of the aircraft being shot down crews had to first grab their parachute, attach it and only then could they safely jump! No wonder losses were so high in bomber Command.

Anyone know the reason for this? Was space so restricted in Lancasters and Halifaxes that crews could not fit into their spaces with parachutes on? Did that also apply to Wellington crews?

As that wasn't the case on USAAF bomber's, (crew's not only wore their parachute [except I think the belly gunner] but also the very bulky flak suits) why the difference.