Ju 88 A weapons and gunners

[Jérémie Tarpon]

Hello,

It is well known that the defensive armament of the Ju 88 A-4 was generally made of two single MG 81 J to protect the rear upper area and one twin MG 81 Z to cover the plane rear underside. This bomber had a crew of four: pilot (Flugzeugführer - F), observer (Beobachter - B), wireless operator (Bordfunker - Bf) and air gunner (Bordschütze - Bs). When under fighter attacks, the Bs used the MG 81 Z under twin guns while the Bf manned the rear upper weapons. I have also read of cases where the Bs went "upstairs" to fire one of the dorsal MG 81 J, but it was always a situation of two gunners operating three gun positions. My question is thus: was it possible for the observer to act as a second rear gunner? Otherwise, what was the rationale for providing three gun positions to only two gunners? Why not a twin MG 81 Z in the rear upper position?

Many thanks to those who take the time to answer my questions.

Jérémie