And then there was the bomb door

The bomb door was replaced on entering RAF service with a combined fuel tank and bomb bay door. It rotated into place through 180 degs, so was ingenious in causing no drag, carrying 4,000lb of bombs and fuel as well. As it rotated, that meant you couldn't get to anything behind it without rotating it, it was a massive door....

Electricians worked on valves in the bomb bay along with bomb bay door microswitches amongst others.
This meant getting on the door in the side position, then as it rotated you were clinging to it, so that when it closed you were inside. This was convenient to do the work but very dangerous if the door moved unexpectedly whilst you were getting on or off. there was a dirty great rod to hold it in position, but it had to fitted and removed which was problematic in itself, we mostl cut the corner and just climbed on to get rotated inside by the person on the hydraulic rig.

I used to breath a sigh of relief when we got out ok each time.