If I remember correctly, this damage is the result of a mid-air collision with another bomber while in the bomber stream. They turned for home and then got jumped by enemy aircraft.
I don't recall hearing whatever happened to the tail gunner. If he was in the turret at the time of the collision, then it wouldn't have been good, as the turret was torn from it's ring...
Halifax HR837, F 'Freddie' with 158 Squadron undertook its eleventh mission to Cologne on the night of 28/29 June 1943. It was hit by a bomb dropped from an aircraft above which passed right through the fuselage. Freddie made it home and was sent for repair. It was subsequently allocated to 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit where it served until it was finally struck of charge on 11th January 1945.
The mid upper gunner, who would certainly have been in the turret at the time, was a VERY lucky man.
Douglas A-26 Invader after an emergency landing from the 386-first American bombardment group on a British airfield near Danmow 26th August 1944. Hell of a nose job