The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber flown by the RCAF during the Second Word War. It was designed with a shoulder-mounted, high aspect ratio Davis wing which gave the Liberator a high cruise speed, long range and the ability to carry a heavy bomb load. Early RAF Liberators were the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean as a matter of routine. In comparison with its contemporaries the B-24 was relatively difficult to fly and had poor low speed performance; it also had a lower ceiling compared with the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Of the roughly 18,500 B-24s built in the USA during the war, 148 were flown by the RCAF on long range anti-submarine patrols, with the B-24 serving an instrumental role in closing the Mid-Atlantic gap in the Battle of the Atlantic. The RCAF also flew a few B-24s post war as transports.
Roughly half of all (RAF) Liberator crews in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre were Canadian by the end of the war. John Muir of Vancouver flew the longest mission of the war: 24hrs, 10mins from Ceylon to Burma and back. (Kyle Hood) Harold Skaarup web page
Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10586. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Operated by No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 13 September 1944 to 1946, coded "QE". Received spartan passanger interior in fall of 1944. Stored at Derbert, NS, from 1 April 1946. Reported with No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 1946 or 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10589. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. To 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, on 21 October 1944. Delivered mail to No. 162 (BR) Squadron in Iceland on 6 February 1945. Carried load of medical supplies for Poland from Ottawa to Prestwick on 5 January 1946. Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946, coded "QF". With No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10587. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Delivered mail to No. 162 (BR) Squadron in Iceland on 6 February 1945. To 168 (T) Squadron, 22 February 1945, coded "QG". Port main undercarriage collapsed on landing at Rockcliffe in the early morning on 2 July 1945, at 07:20 GMT, returning from mail flight to Prestwick. No injuries. Investigation revealed starboard main gear down lock had not engaged, possibly due to pulses in the hydraulic pressure during landing gear extension. Stored from 1 August 1946. Reported with No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10588. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. To No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, on 21 November 1944, coded "QH". Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 July 1946. With No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10583. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Operated by No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 30 August 1944 to 1946, coded "QJ". Received VIP interior, extra side door, galley, toilet, and highly polished exterior by March 1945. Flew Canadian Prime Minister to first UN meeting in San Fransisco, June 1945. To No. 12 (T) Squadron spring of 1946. Carried Governor General and family to Nassau in March 1946, and to Winnipeg in September 1946. With No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 1947/1948. Carried General H. D. G. Crerar on tour of the far east, summer of 1947. Visited Hawaii, Johnston Island, Kwajalein, Tokyo, and Nanking. Carried Governor General and senior RCAF staff to UK ans return in April 1948. One of the first RCAF aircraft to display the maple leaf roundel. Stored at Trenton in 1948. Sold to Air Chile, registered as CC-CAN.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10592. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Operated by No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, from 27 July 1944, coded "QK". To No. 4 Repair Depot for transport conversion, 28 September 1944, then back to 168 Sdn on 15 February 1945. Flew this squadron's 500th trans-Atlantic crossing, early 1945. Flew this squadron's 636th and last trans-Atlantic mail run, returning to Rockcliffe on 3 March 1946. Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10593. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Used by Test and Development Establishment, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, dates unknown. Operated by No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario from 28 September 1944, coded "QL". Visited North Africa in November 1944. Briefly carried RAF style code "OLQL", possibly for operations into the UK. Carried load of medical supplies for Poland from Ottawa to Prestwick 28 to 31 December 1945. Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10590. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. Operated by No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 5 March 1945 to 1946, coded "QM". Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10581. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. To No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 27 July 1944, coded "QN". To No. 4 Repair Depot, RCAF Station Scoudouc, NB, for conversion to transport, 29 August 1944. Back to 168 Sdn. 25 November 1944. Still flying trans Atlantic mail as late as 5 October 1945. Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-65-CF s/n 44-10585. GR Mk. VIT designation was unofficial. To No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 27 July 1944, coded "QO". Unpopular with squadron, due to lower performance. To No. 4 Repair Depot for conversion to transport, 13 September 1944. Back to 168 Sdn. 22 December 1944. Stored at Debert, NS, from 6 June 1946.Known Squadron Assignments: ;10
Ex USAAF B-24D-65-CO s/n 42-40526, ex RAF BZ732. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. At RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec, for crew training on 14 April 1943. Still carrying RAF serial for this training. Coded "A" of No. 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron at Gander, Newfoundland, to this station via Dartmouth, NS on 22 April 1943. On 19 September 1943, flown by Flight Lieutenant R.F. Fisher and crew, sank U-341 at 58-40N 25-30W. Slight damage to wing tip from u-boat guns. The aircraft was returning to Gander from Goose Bay after escorting Prime Minister Winston Churchill in HMS Renown from the Quebec Conference. Aircraft was one of 3 detached to RCAF Station Goose Bay at this time. First confirmed sinking by an RCAF Liberator. On 26 October 1943, flown by Flight Lieutenant R.M. Aldwinkle and crew, attacked u-boat at 50-49N 41-0W after an hour-long engagement. The aircraft had been on convoy escort when the U-boat was sighted. Initially believed to have sank U-420, this attack is now believed to have damaged U-91. This was EAC's sixth, and last, kill.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-70-CO s/n 42-40453, ex RAF BZ729. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Used by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander or Torbay, Newfoundland, April 1943 to 1945. Coded "B". Attacked U-420 on 3 July 1943, damaging it and forcing it to return to Germany. First attack by Liberator of the RCAF. Sank U-341 at 58-40N 25-30W on 19 September 1943, using 6 depth chrages. Was escorting convoy ONS 18 at the time. To No. 4 Repair Depot 1 May 1945. To Western Air Command, for storage, 11 August 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40460, ex RAF BZ733. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Used by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander or Torbay, Newfoundland, April 1943 to 1945. Coded "C". To Western Air Command, for storage, 20 September 1945.Known Squadron Assignments: ;10
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40447, ex RAF BZ725. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Coded "D" of No. 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron at Gander, Newfoundland, from April 1943. Crashed into Gander Lake at 01:38 on 4 September 1943, 2 miles off end of runway, while taking off for a night training flight. An attempt was made to recover the wreckage, but it slid into deeper water and the effort was abandoned. Official report gave control jamming as possible cause of crash. All 4 occupants killed.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40452, ex RAF BZ728. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, April 1943 to June 1944. Coded "G".Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40451, ex RAF BZ727. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from April 1943. Coded "K". To Western Air Command, for storage, 13 August 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40471, ex RAF BZ737. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from April 1943. Coded "F". Category B damage on 27 July 1943. To Scotland January 1944 for first RCAF installation of Leigh Light. Fired on by RCN vessel during night patrol on 2 May 1944, not hit. Made squadron's 22nd and last attack on u-boat on 26 March 1945. This was a night attack on a submerged submarine, using sonobouys to locate target. Still in white and camouflage paint at this time. Assigned to Western Air Command for storage, 13 August 1945. Still with 10 Sdn. for disbandment parade on 15 August 1945 at Torbay, in well worn paint.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40470, ex RAF BZ736. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. When first delivered carried the last three of the RAF serial, "736", as only marked serial number. Used by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander or Torbay, Newfoundland, May 1943 to 1945. Coded "J". To Western Air Command for storage, 13 August 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40450, ex RAF BZ739. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from May 1943. Coded "P". Tests with first RCAF homing torpedos over Gander Lake, spring of 1943. Attacked 2 u-boats on 23 September 1943, while carrying AVM A. E. Godfrey. The AVM manned a side gun, and thus became the most senior RCAF officer to ever directly engage the enemy. In bare metal finish, and with Leigh Light, by winter of 1944/45. Landed short at Gander when pilot misinterpreted landing lights while landing in blowing snow, struck off next day.Known Squadron Assignments: ;10
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40469, ex RAF BZ735. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from May 1943. Coded "X". Attacked and damaged 2 submarines on 22 September 1943, U-377 and U-402. The second boat was attacked with guns only, as all depth charges and both homing torpedos had been used to damage U-377 a few minutes earlier.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-404466, ex RAF BZ747. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from May 1943. Coded "Y". Attacked submarine on 23 September 1943. First squadron aircraft stripped to bare metal finish, May 1944. Attempted attack on submerged u-boat, 24 September 1944, after schnorkel was detected with radar. Bombs hung up. To No. 4 Repair Depot for repairs of Category C damage, 18 January 1945. Stored at Moncton from September 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-40-CO s/n 42-40231, ex RAF BZ738. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from May 1943. Coded "L". Attacked and damaged U-270 on 22 September 1943. Damaged by flak during this engagement, returned to base on 3 engines.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-70-CO s/n 42-40560, ex RAF BZ756. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Had retractable ASV radar under centre fuselage. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from May 1943. Coded "Q". Made squadron's last u-boat attack against a surfaced u-boat when U-845 was engaged on 14 February 1944. Submarine was damaged, forced to return to base. Named "Queenie" by the end of the war. To bare metal finish, winter of 1944/45. To Western Air Command, for storage, 20 September 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-60-CO s/n 42-40461, ex RAF BZ734. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. When first delivered carried the last three of the RAF serial, "734", as only marked serial number. Used by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander or Torbay, Newfoundland, May 1943 to 1945. Coded "R". Flew this squadron's last war time mission, escort of Convoy ONS50, from Torbay, on 26 May 1945. To Western Air Command, for storage, 13 August 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-70-CO s/n 42-40557, ex RAF BZ755. Also known as G.R. Mk. V/Can. Had retractable ASV radar under centre fuselage. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from June 1943. Coded "N". Strafed unknown u-boat on night of 22/23 September 1943. Named "Nannette" by the end of the war. To North West Air Command 10 January 1946. Used for some post war training exercises. Stored from 2 October 1946. Remains reportedly purchased by Yesterday's Air Force of Chino, California in 1971. Nose noted August 2003 at Virginia Air and Space Center, Hampton, VAKnown Squadron Assignments: ;10
Ex USAAF B-24D-25-CO serial number 41-24236. General note on the first RCAF B-24Ds (3701 to 3704): Received second hand from USAAF, in very poor condition and without all operational equipment. Mostly used only for training and transportation by RCAF. Initially operated in USAAF camouflage. The designation Mk. V was never officially used by RCAF. These aircraft were generally known as "Brazilian Liberators", in the belief that they had come from a USAAF unit based in Brazil (not confirmed by US records).
Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland. Went missing on flight from Gander to Mt. Joli, Quebec, on 19 / 20 October 1943. Aircraft was diverted to Dorval because of poor weather at Mt. Joli, wreckage not found until June 1946. 24 fatalities, including most of the crew of Liberator 595, on leave after sinking U-341 a few weeks earlier.
last update: 2024-September-2210 North Atlantic (BR) Squadron, Gander, Newfoundland. Liberator V aircraft 3701 H flying from Gander, Newfoundland to Mont Joli, Quebec was redirected to Dorval, Quebec due to poor weather conditions at Mont Joli. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft before it crashed and burned on the west side of the 2,500 foot foothill of Black Mountain, Quebec. A search at the time of the crash failed to find the crash site. The wreckage of the aircraft and remains of the 24 casualties was not located until 1946-06-20. A Memorial Cairn was erected on the Black Mountain crash site in memory of those who lost their lives there
Flight Crew: Sergeant WG MacNaughton MiD (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant JA Poirier (RCAF), Flying Officer SA Sanderson AFM (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 JA Barabonoff (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 J Silverstein MiD (RCAF), Pilot Officer RW MacDonald MiD (RCAF)
Passengers: Flight Lieutenant RF Fisher MiD (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 W Howlett (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 FE Jenkins (RCAF), Cpl HD Beattie (RCAF), Cpl RD Marr (RCAF), Cpl HK Hambly (RCAF), Cpl AC Johnston (RCAF), Pilot Officer J Lamont MiD (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman CL Dynes (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman GR Patterson (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman AJ Radcliffe (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman EW Read (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant FH Elliott (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant EM Finn (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman JAJP Veilleux (RCAF), FS RF Ware (RCAF), Sergeant SA Wood (RCAF) and Flying Officer JS Johnston MiD (RCAF) were all killed in this flying accident
All were buried at the crash site where the cairn stands in their honour until 1985, when the crews remains were exhumed and moved to a cemetery St. Donat, Quebec due to vandalism at the crash site. Detail provided by C Lambert
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton page 26319/20.1943. No.10 RCAF Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron B-24...
Liberator RCAF 3701 [Royal Air Force Aircraft Serial and Image]...
Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-15-CO serial number 41-24001. See general note under 3701. Named "Lady Luck". Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander and Torbay, Newfoundland. Coded "T". In bare metal finish by February 1945, with yellow and red yingyang painted on nose wheel. To No. 1 Air Command on 27 June 1945, used for some post war training. Became instructional airframe A497 on 2 May 1946, used as training aid at No. 1 Initial Training School at Aylmer, Ontario.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-25-CO serial number 41-24281. See general note under 3701. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 30 September 1943. Coded "S". Crashed shortly after taking off for transport flight to Dartmouth, NS. Stil in USAAF camouflage at time of crash.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24D-25-CO serial number 41-24227. See general note under 3701. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland. Coded "Z". Converted to transport configuration, natural metal finish with dark blue cheat line, named "Basterpiece", at No. 4 Repair Depot, Scoudoc, NB from 6 October 1944. This was an unofficial conversion, and EAC officers were reprimanded by Ottawa for ordering this. Conversion was based on BOAC Liberators then in use between eastern Canada and the UK. Transferred to No. 11 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS on 1 December 1944. Category C damage with this unit on 17 December 1944. Nose gear collapsed while taxiing for first mission to Iceland, returned to No. 4 RD on 25 December with nose gear locked down. Returned on 28 December, and made first trip to Iceland starting on 4 February 1945. Carried 18 ground crew back to Canada for leave on 16 February 1945. Used Dartmouth - Goose Bay - Reyjavik, to support No. 162 Squadron while it was in Iceland. "Windy Lou" nose art added early 1945. Placed in storage on 13 August 1945Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-1-CF serial number 42-64101. To No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland in December 1943. First Liberator with LORAN in RCAF. Also reported as under test with 10 Sdn. in November 1943. Hanger fire of 4 June 1944 was started when an extension light was dropped, broke, and ignited fuel vapour. Heavy snow the night before slowed aircraft from being removed form the burning hanger, and live ordnance on aircraft started to explode. Hanger was left to burn, and 4 Liberators were lost: 590, 597, 3705, and 3708.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-1-CF serial number 42-64183. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 9 February 1944. Coded "W". In bare metal finish by December 1944, with no serial marked, only code "W". Placed in storage 21 September 1945. Had 1,127:45 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-1-CF serial number 42-64182. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 17 June 1944. Coded "W" and later "M". Named "Mabel", received extensive nose art by end of 1944. Placed in storage on 20 September 1945. Had 804:40 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-15-CF serial number 42-99795. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from April 1944. Coded "O".Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-30-CF s/n 44-10254, ex RAF EW251. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 9 June 1944. Transferred to No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from September 1944, complete with crew, to become an instructional aircraft. Coded "E", probably while with both units. Performed No. 11 Sdn's first attack on a u-boat on 25 December 1944, while escorting liner Nieuw Amsterdam, near Halifax. Two depth charge runs and one homing torpedo attack made on periscope sighting, no observed results. Attacked schnorkel sighting while on Halifax harbour entrance patrol on 18 February 1945. Stalked u-boat with sonobouys, but was unable to release depth charges or toredo. Placed in storage with Western Air Command on 12 October 1945. Had 817:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-30-CF s/n 44-10255, ex RAF EW252. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from June 1944. Crash occurred when tire burst on landing, forcing aircraft to swerve into snow bank.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-50-CF serial number 44-10440, ex RAF KG935. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 25 July 1944. Coded "B". Damaged on 20 January 1945 when warload detached and fell through bomb bay doors, returned to Dartmouth without further damage. Transferred to RCAF Station Patricia Bay with this unit after VE day, still in camouflage. To Western Air Command, for storage, on 3 October 1945. Had 804:05 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-50-CF serial number 44-10437, ex RAF KG932. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS from 25 July 1944. Coded "P". To Western Air Command, for storage, on 3 October 1945. Had 693:50 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10634. Delivered to No. 21 Repair Depot for installation of Leigh Light on 12 September 1944. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland, from 27 September 1944. Coded "E". Had 683:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10636. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "A". Delivered direct from Fort Worth to Dartmouth by an American crew. Used for initial training at Dartmouth, and flew this unit's first operation, a harbour approach patrol, on 13 August 1944. To RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC in May / June 1945, in very worn camouflage. Code letter unreadable at this time. Transferred to Western Air Command at end of war. Took part in Operation Muskox, winter of 1945 / 1946. Had 1,069:05 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments: ;11
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10637. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "F". Lost at sea on 19/20 February 1945. Disapppeared without a trace while on anti-submarine sweep. Some wreckage may have washed up on Sable Island.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10638. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "D". Visited Yarmouth, NS on 8 September 1944. Category C damage on 18 June 1945. At No. 22 Sub Repair Depot at Sea Island, BC in October 1945. To Western Air Command, for storage, on 2 November 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10635. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "C" when first received, later coded "I". Damaged when starboard main gear failed shortly after touchdown at Yarmouth on 20 October 1944, repaired. To RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC in May / June 1945. Delivered to Abbotsford, BC on 2 September 1945, last flight by No. 11 Sdn. To Western Air Command, for storage, on 4 September 1945. Had 537:10 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10639. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "J". Damaged beyond repair on 3 October 1944, when undercarriage was retracted early on take off from Dartmouth. No injuries.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10640. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from August 1944. Coded "N". Transferred to west coast with this squadron in May 1945. Nose section severely damaged by ground fire at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC on 18 June 1945, not repaired.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10641. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 21 August 1944. Coded "Q". To Western Air Command, for storage, on 4 September 1945. Had 163:15 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10642. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 21 August 1944. Coded "S". Damaged beyond repair when port main gear failed shortly after touch down at Yarmouth, NS on 17 October 1944. Later stripped for spares for EAC Met Flight.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-70-CF serial number 44-10643. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 22 August 1944. Coded "C". Category B damage on 21 October 1944. Transferred to No. 4 Repair Depot same day, still there when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44121. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 3 October 1944. Coded "R". Assigned to Western Air Command, for storage, on 4 September 1945. Had 987:05 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44122. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 3 October 1944. Coded "T". Later coded "A". Had shark's teeth painted on nose, and later received full face above the teeth. With Eastern Air Command Met Flight from August 1945. To No. 21 Service Repair Depot for storage on 11 July 1945, still coded "T", still carrying nose art.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44123. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 4 January 1945. Practice radar attacks on HMS Unseen off Halifax on 5 March 1945. Coded "H". Transferred to RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC with this unit in May 1945, still in camouflage. Left Dartmouth on 26 May, via Ottawa and Calgary, first squadron aircraft to arrive at Patricia Bay, on 30 May. Carried out first operational patrol from Patricia Bay on 19 June 1945. To Western Air Command for storage on 12 October 1945. Had 305:15 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44124. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 24 November 1944. Coded "G". Back to stored reserve on 14 December 1944, returned to No. 10 Sdn. on 3 April 1945. To Western Air Command, for storage, on 20 September 1945. Had 295:30 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44125. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 6 November 1944. Coded "T". Visited Summerside, PEI on 19 February 1945. To Western Air Command for storage on 4 September 1945. Had 750:30 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44126. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 19 October 1944. Coded "J". Encounter engine icing while on convoy escort near Sable Island on 12 February 1945. Unable to maintain altitude, emergency landing was made on the beach at Sable Island, in heavy snow fall. Came to rest in fresh water lagoon on island, no injuries. Aircraft crew had to rescue one island inhabitant who attempted to reach aircraft. Some equipment salvaged, but aircraft left on island for several years.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44120. Delivered direct to No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS. Damaged on 14 November 1944 when practice bomb detonated in bomb bay, but returned to base and was repaired. Category C damage at Rockcliffe, Ontario on 25 May 1945. Transferred to No. 1 Air Command for storage on 6 August 1945, following this accident. Reported with No. 12 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, in 1946 and 1947, but was probably in storage at Rockcliffe, unrepaired.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44129. Delivered direct to No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS. Coded "S". To RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC in May / June 1945. Flew this unit's last mission, a meterological flight from RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC, on 12 September 1945. To Western Air Command, for storage, on 3 October 1945. Had 277:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44128. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 15 February 1945. Coded "F". Had 277:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-85-CF serial number 44-44127. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 17 April 1945. Coded "P". Detached to Yarmouth, NS, 17 to 31 July 1945. One of three No. 10 Sdn. Liberators operating there as meteorological flight. Later permanently transferred to the Eastern Air Command Met Flight at this base. Stored at Mont Joli, Quebec from 12 October 1945. Had 274:55 airframe time when struck off. Sold to Babb Corporation, no record of further sale, may have been sold for scrap.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44355. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 24 February 1945. Coded "L". To Western Air Command for storage on 3 October 1945. Had 221:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44353. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 17 April 1945. Coded "H". With the Eastern Air Command Met Flight at Yarmouth, NS from 2 August 1945. Stored at Mont Joli, Quebec from 4 September 1945. Had 313:05 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44352. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 17 April 1945. Coded "L". Detached to Yarmouth, NS, 17 to 31 July 1945. One of three No. 10 Sdn. Liberators operating there as meteorological flight. Later permanently transferred to the Eastern Air Command Met Flight at this base. Visited Floyd Bennett Field, NY in September 1945, with special weather gear installed below starboard side of cockpit. Flew this unit's last mission on 16 September 1945, returned early due to oil leak. Stored at Mont Joli, Quebec from 12 October 1945. Had 255:20 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44357. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 9 April 1945. Coded "D". Still in white and camouflage paint when war ended. To Western Air Command for storage on 20 September 1945. Had 353:25 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44350. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Dartmouth, NS from 21 April 1945. Coded "Z". To Western Air Command for storage on 3 October 1945. Had 130:20 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44354. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Gander and/or Torbay, Newfoundland from 27 June 1945. Coded "T". Assigned to Western Air Command on 13 August 1945. Back to Eastern Air Command, for storage at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 14 January 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44356. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland from 11 July 1945. Coded "S". Assigned to Western Air Command on 13 August 1945. Back to Eastern Air Command, for storage at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 14 January 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44358. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command, no record of operational use. Assigned to Western Air Command on 11 August 1945. Back to Eastern Air Command, for storage at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 14 January 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44359. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command, no record of operational use. Assigned to Western Air Command on 13 August 1945. Had 110:50 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-100-CF serial number 44-44351. Delivered to stored reserve with Eastern Air Command. Operated by No. 10 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Gander, Newfoundland from 20 February 1945. Coded "A". Last aircraft delivered to this unit. Received shark mouth nose art shortly after arriving. Detached to Yarmouth, NS, 17 to 31 July 1945. One of three No. 10 Sdn. Liberators operating there as meteorological flight. Later permanently transferred to the Eastern Air Command Met Flight at this base. Stored at Mont Joli, Quebec from 12 October 1945. Had 374:30 airframe time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-60-CF, their serial 44-10540. On the books of No. 168 (HT) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario shortly after being taken on strength, but probably still at Winnipeg at the time. To No. 1 Air Command with this unit on 15 January 1945. Converted to passenger transport at No. 8 Repair Depot, first flight in this configuration on 26 September 1945. Noted on 10 October 1945 as converted to transport, designation reported as both GR.VIT and C.VI. Delivered to Rockcliffe on 13 October 1945. Reported to have never flown an operational transport mission, being flown for testing and troubleshooting only. Struck a snow bank on takeoff from Rockcliffe on 9 February 1946, badly damaged. Pending disposal from 4 March 1946. Stored at Rockcliffe by 6 June 1946. To No. 9 (T) Group on 11 June 1946, still pending disposal. Reported with No. 12 (T) Squadron at Rockcliffe 1946. Had 113:50 total time when struck off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24M-5-FO, their serial 44-50591. Struck off by US on 25 January 1945. To No. 8 Repair Depot on 12 November 1945 for conversion to transport. To No. 6 Repair Depot on 5 February 1946, for Project 0015. To workshop reserve at No. 6 Repair Depot on 21 April 1947, pending disposal.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24M-5-FO, their serial 44-50622. Struck off by US on 28 January 1945. To No. 8 Repair Depot on 12 November 1945 for conversion to C. Mk. VI transport. To No. 6 Repair Depot on 13 February 1946, for Project 0015. To workshop reserve at No. 6 Repair Depot on 24 April 1947, pending disposal.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24M-5-FO, their serial 44-50601. Struck off by US on 27 January 1945. To No. 8 Repair Depot on 12 November 1945 for conversion to C. Mk. VI transport. To No. 6 Repair Depot on 4 February 1946, for Project 0015. To workshop reserve at No. 6 Repair Depot on 24 April 1947, pending disposal.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24M-5-FO, their serial 44-50639. Struck off by US on 30 January 1945. To No. 8 Repair Depot on 12 November 1945 for conversion to C. Mk. VI transport. To No. 6 Repair Depot on 18 February 1946, for Project 0015. Pending disposal from March 1947. To workshop reserve at No. 6 Repair Depot on 24 April 1947, still pending disposal.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49112. To RAF in March 1945, their serial KL506. Delivered to stored reserve, issued from storage on 17 April 1945. Used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS. Coded "V". Served with this unit in natural metal finish. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To Western /Air Command with this unit on 26 June 1945, to RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC. To storage on 3 October 1945, when it was noted with 102:50 logged time. By 6 March 1946 stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance unit at Abbotsford, BC. Had 102:50 logged time when struck off. Reported for sale, dismantled, on a farm near Chase, BC in 1971.Known Squadron Assignments: 11
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49131. To RAF in March 1945, their serial KL519. Like most Ford built Liberators, unpopular with crews because of many small failures. First used by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS from 4 April 1945. First Mk. VIII with this unit. Coded "X". Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To Western Air Command with this unit on 26 June 1945, to RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC. Crashed on 13 June 1945. Flew into mountain at 2800 foot level in the Somerset Range, 7 miles east-south-east Bamfield, BC while on cross country training flight, after picking up 7 sight-seers at Tofino. No survivors, the 14 killed included Corporal Nora Johnson and her younger brother Corporal Norman M. Johnson. Wreckage not found until 17 July 1945. All bodies buried at crash site. Ownership to No. 3 Repair Depot on 23 July 1945, for write off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49127. To RAF in March 1945, their serial KL518. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 50:35 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49161. To RAF in March 1945, their serial KL529. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 42:30 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49157. To RAF, their serial KL535. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 36:35 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-1-FO, their serial 44-49198. To RAF, their serial KL555. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 31:00 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50214. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. To North West Air Command on 24 October 1945, for use at the Winter Experimental Establishment at Edmonton, Alberta. Operated from Edmonton through winter of 1945/1946. Pending disposal from 2 August 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50062. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50218. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50182. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FL, their serial 44-50186. Delivered to stored reserve. Redesignated GR Mk. VIII on 24 May 1945. To No. 2 Air Command on 11 June 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50012. Delivered to stored reserve. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50050. Delivered to stored reserve. To No. 2 Air Command on 19 July 1945, still in storage, ferried to Lethbridge, Alberta shortly after. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50022. Delivered to stored reserve. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial 44-50006. Delivered to stored reserve. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 24:20 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24L-20-FO, their serial probably 44-50040. (NOTE: Record Card lists serial as 44-55040, actually a Frankfort OQ-3-FR, but company number matches 44-50040.) Delivered to stored reserve. Pending disposal from 2 February 1946, stored by No. 1 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Lethbridge, Alberta, where it was noted with 22:55 total time.Known Squadron Assignments:
44160 (98th BG) lost Aug 22, 1944, Germany. MACR 10643. I also have this plane as going to RAF as Liberator B.VI KH289 and being SOC May 20, 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
44161 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH290. SOC Nov 11, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44162 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH291. SOC Jun 2, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44163 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH292. SOC Jun 4, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44164 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH293. SOC Jun 2, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44165 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH294. SOC Jun 4, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44166 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH295. SOC Apr 11, 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44167 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH296. Sank back onto runway during takeoff and crashed into sea China Bay, Ceylon Jul 8, 1945.Known Squadron Assignments:
44168 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KK297. SOC Apr 11, 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44169 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH298. SOC Nov 11, 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
44170 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH299. SOC Apr 11, 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44171 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH300. SOC Apr 11, 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44172 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH301. SOC Apr 11, 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44173 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH302. Damaged beyond reapir when undercarriage collapsed while taxiing at Ballykelly, Northern Ireland Apr 25, 1944.Known Squadron Assignments:
44174 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH303. SOC Apr 11, 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
44175 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH304. SOC Apr 11, 1946. To Indian AF as HE877. Became N7866 for return to USA. Now with Pima County Air Museum in Tucson, Arizona.Known Squadron Assignments:
44176 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH305. Relegated to instructional airframe 6025M July 1946Known Squadron Assignments:
44177 to RAF as Liberator GR.VIII KH306. SOC Jun 4, 1947Known Squadron Assignments:
44178 to RAF as Liberator GR.VI KH307. Undercarriage collapsed when overshot landing and ran into ditch, Akyab, Burma Jun 22, 1945.Known Squadron Assignments: ;45
VIP conversion, with single fin, upgraded engines for use by Winston Churchill.45 Group, RAF Transport Command, Dorval, Quebec Liberator II (Modified) AL504 named "Commando" lost on a flight from Northolt, England to Canada via the Azores, bringing high ranking officers and dignitaries to the Final Wings Parade, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The aircraft left RAF Northolt at 23:00 hours 1945-03-26 for a refueling stopover at Lajes Airfield in the Azores. Last contact with AL 504 was by RAF Prestwick at 7:16 hours on 1945-03-27 and nothing further was heard. Subsequent searches revealed an oil slick, some inflatable dinghies and a small amount of wreckage but no survivors, some 150-200 miles NW of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. The cause of the loss could not be determined
Pilot Officer DJ Spence (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant D Buchanan (RCAF), Wing Commander WH Biddell DFC OBE (RAF), Flight Lieutenant AN Brodie (RAF), Flight Lieutenant KG Shea (RAAF), Civilian Radio Officer FW Williams (UK), Civilian Steward VI Bannister (UK), Commander RA Brabner DSO DSC, MP (British Under-Secretary of State for Air), Air Marshal Sir Peter RM Drummond KCB DSO CBE MC MiD (RAF) (Air Member for Training), Squadron Leader EG Plum (RAFVR)(USA)(Liason, British Air Ministry), Civilian Sir John B Abraham KBE CB (British Air Ministry), Civilian HA Jones CMG CG MC (British Air Ministry), Civilian E Robinson (Private Secretary to Commander Brabner and Civilian E Twentyman (British Ministry of Food) were all missing, presumed killed in this flying accident
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated at various Memorial sites in Canada, the UK and USA
This aircraft had been modified, lengthened, the engines were upgraded and the tail changed to a single large tail fin. It was later famously used as personal transport for British PM Winston Churchill and had often used as a VIP transport for people such a Lord Louis Mountbatten
The Man Who Flew Churchill by Bruce West
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie page 327-8
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas page 97
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Known Squadron Assignments: ;148
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;148
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;511
Construction No. 14#511 Squadron RAF (Surely and Quickly) Alexandria, Egypt. Liberator II AL516 was transporting a mix of passengers and crew of RCAF, RAF and RAAF very experienced, wounded and end-of-tour fighter pilots as well as some civilians, including military wives and two children, from Malta to Gibraltar. Arriving at Gibraltar in a thunderstorm, the Liberator overshot it's landing and crashed into the sea, killing fourteen aboard and various injuries to most survivors. The flight had intended to travel from Malta to Gibraltar before continuing to England. Some aboard were missing, not recovered but are commemorated on the Gibraltar Memorial (Shores, Cull & Malizia; Dennis Burke www.rafcommands.com)
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton, page 100Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire
[Royal Air Force Serials and Image Database]...
Killed:
Survived:
Known Squadron Assignments: ;159
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;159
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;159
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;159
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;178
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;108
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;511
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;1653
B. Mk II or C. Mk. IIKnown Squadron Assignments: ;45
B. Mk II or C. Mk. II45 Group RAF Transport Command, Dorval, Quebec. Liberator II aircraft AL591 was engaged in a Return Ferry Service flight, bringing a mix of civilian and military pilots, navigators, radio operators and flight engineers from Prestwick, Scotland to Gander, Newfoundland. The weather conditions were poor at Gander with low visibility due to a severe snow storm, but short on fuel, diverting to another airport was not possible. Sadly, AL591 crashed on approach ten miles north-east of Gander, killing most of those aboard. The weather conditions further hampered search efforts, which could not begin for two after the crash. Amazingly, there were three survivors but one died later in hospital, which meant that nineteen of the twenty-one aboard the aircraft were lost
Flight Sergeant WH Kyle (RCAF), Flying Officer RI Scott (RCAF), American civilian Pilot/Captain FA Dugan, Sergeant JA Elding (RAFVR), British civilian GP Eves, British civilian TR Barnes, Sergeant HL Lewis (RAFVR), American civilian RM Lloyd, Sergeant DJ Owen (RAF), American civilian J Stagner, British Civilian FJ Brown, Canadian civilian F Scrafton, British civilian R Wadsworth, Canadian civilian EG Longley, British civilian JB Merriman, Canadian civilian IW Wilson and a passenger, British Army officer Lieutenant-Colonel LT Grove were killed in this flying accident
Sergeant GP Pollard (RAF), a pilot, had initially survived the crash but succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital 1943-02-11
Captain KE Parker Jr (USA) and Flying Officer CM Ableson (RAF) survived the crash with injuries
Note: no other information has been found to date about these two survivors
The crash of Liberator AL591 1943-02-09 was the largest loss of life at Gander during the entire war
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie pages 317, 391
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas page 111
North Atlantic Cat by Don McVicar, Chapter 15 pages 106-113
{Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Gander Airport Historical Society
Known Squadron Assignments: ;111
Ex US B-24A-C0 40-2368Known Squadron Assignments: 59
 Liberator BZ 724 Had been operating in the North Atlantic on an ant-submarine mission on the night of 17th/18th August 1944, when due to bad weather, and nearing the end of its lengthy patrol, it was diverted to RAF Tain. It would appear that after making a descent through cloud and very short on fuel, the Liberator struck the hill above Helmsdale and disintegrated.
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
last update: 2024-July-20Known Squadron Assignments: ;53
Known Squadron Assignments: 111 OTU
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: ;111
Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments:
Known Squadron Assignments:
111Operational Training Unit, Nassau, Bahamas. Liberator GR.V aircraft BZ 813 took off with a crew of ten on a Leigh Light Homing exercise and crashed just over an hour into the flight, cause unknown. A search turned up wreckage and debris from the crash but no aircrew survivors were found
Flight Sergeant RA Davies (RAFVR), Warrant Officer SJ Ford (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant LG Green (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant E Lindsey (RAFVR), Flying Officer IH Mitch (RAFVR), Sergeant HC Richardson (RAFVR), Flying Officer JPG Robinson (RAFVR), Sergeant JE Rowson (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant AR Thompson (RNZAF) and Sergeant J Walker (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in this flying accident
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Ottawa Memorial
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas page 129[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
No.111 OTU, Nassau, Bahamas I Scottish Saltire Branch I Aircrew...
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 200
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 355
Known Squadron Assignments: ;160
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: ;11;53
Known Squadron Assignments: 547
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
354 Squadron, RAF Cuttack, India. Pilot Flying Officer KR Henry (RCAF)(USA) was attempting to manually free the stuck nose wheel of his Liberator aircraft BZ 887 D, in flight during an air test, when the wheel moved up, trapping and severely injuring him. The second pilot landed the aircraft and Flying Officer Henry was taken to hospital where sadly, he died from his injuries
354 Squadron RAF Cuttack, India. Liberator GRV aircraft BZ 887 D had just taken off for a shipping escort operation and was flying at about 800 feet when it suddenly dove into the ground five miles from the aerodrome at Cuttack, India, killing the entire crew. The cause of the crash was undetermined
FS HB Sigel (RCAF), Flying Officer FV Breen (RCAF), Flying Officer EH Bullis (RCAF), Pilot Officer SJ Dubowski (RCAF), FS HE Miles (RCAF), Flying Officer WJ Fisher (RCAF), Flying Officer WK Redman (RCAF), Flying Officer CL Moody (RAFVR) and Flying Officer FJ Trower (RAFVR) were all killed in action
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton page 1331943 354 Squadron Liberator V BZ887 D F/O. Moody
Liberator BZ887 [Royal Air Force Aircraft Serial and Image Database]...
Known Squadron Assignments: 120
Known Squadron Assignments: 357
Known Squadron Assignments: 178
B.III; ex 42-64009; dld Dorval 1.11.43; Gander - Prestwick 9.11.43; SAL 9.11.43; onward delivery unknown, arr ME 29.11.43; 178 Sqn [Y]; crashed at Lunguletu, 23 mls (38 km) NW of city during raid on Bucharest 8.5.44; five crew killed, two PoW; SOC 31.5.44.Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: 1673 HCU
Known Squadron Assignments: 357
Known Squadron Assignments: 206
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 1673 HCU
Known Squadron Assignments: 178
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
354 Squadron. Liberator aircraft #EV 863 failed to return-from an anti-shipping strike at Andaman Island in the Bay of Bengal. Flight Lieutenant LE. Taylor, FSs J.R. Baril, R.J. Leonard, and L.E. Whalen were also killed. Three of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. addendum 2: See page 285. The remainder of the crew were not missing. Three Canadians and two RAF airmen were rescued after spending 60 hours in dinghies. Detail provided by E. Grose.
April 22 1945 Operations Record Book
last update: 2024-July-20Known Squadron Assignments: 206
Known Squadron Assignments: 547;547(RAF)
Known Squadron Assignments: 206
Known Squadron Assignments: ;206
Known Squadron Assignments: ;206
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 547
Known Squadron Assignments: 355
Known Squadron Assignments: ;354
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
Known Squadron Assignments: 206
Known Squadron Assignments: 1674 HCU
While circling the base on a radar homing exercise, on automatic pilot, the aircraft flew out of the circuit and hit high ground at Tildarg, north west of Ballyclare at 0430 hrs, killing 7 and injuring 3 of the crew, the wrecked aircraft came to rest against the gable wall of a farmhouse belonging to Mr Forde, the aircraft was taken to Shorts CRO on 6 March where it was confirmed Cat E
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
last update: 2024-July-20Known Squadron Assignments: ;178
Known Squadron Assignments: 1675 CU
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Took off 0333 hrs and crashed for unknown reasons (weather-influenced, perhaps, as the Bay of Bengal monsoon weather was known to have been poor that night) on the outbound leg of a Special Duties supply drop to Northeast Siam. EW124 impacted in a dense jungle-covered valley below the 3761-foot hilltop named Taung Ni, the highest relief feature in the area. The crash site is located 11 miles inland, and due east of the coastal village of Kyeintali, Burma. The crew of eight (six RCAF, two RAF) presumably died in the crash. The wreck was reached by an army search team on 15 Nov 1945 after a challenging two-day trek. The aircraft was clearly identified by its painted serial number and its individual "H" letter code, clearly seen on the exterior rear fuselage. Four unidentified bodies were buried on site by the search team, and a highly detailed report was written, but inexplicably the remains were never moved to a Burma war cemetery at a later date. Pilot: J/20943 F/Lt Arthur Erick Franklin Anderson RCAF. RAF Commands
last update: 2024-February-19Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF B-24J-15-CF, serial number 42-99793. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "V". Crashed on Salt Spring Island on 4 October 1944, due to in flight fire. 11 killed. Cause of fire never determined. To No. 3 Repair Depot in November 1944 for write off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-15-CF, serial number 42-99794. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. At Abbotsford in March 1945, natural metal finish, coded "A". Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 696:35 logged time. By 27 November 1945 on the books of Maintenance Command, stored at Abbotsford. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99827. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Category B damage at 21:40 on 3 May 1945, reported by No. 5 OTU Detachment at No. 3 Repair Depot. Revised to Category A damage by 17 May 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945. By 27 November 1945 on the books of Maintenance Command, stored at Abbotsford. Noted with 732:55 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99809. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Category A damage at Abbotsford on 4 September 1944 in a crash landing. Become synthetic trainer A427 on 19 September 1944, used by No. 5 OTU. Scrapped in 1946. Had been RCAF EW130Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99812. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. To No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC on 19 June 1945 for inspection. Still there on 30 November 1945. Pending disposal from 2 January 1946, on the books of No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford. Noted with 805:23 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99815. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC, coded "F". Pending disposal with Western Air command from 16 October 1945. Noted stored at Abbotsford on 27 November 1945. On the books of No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by February 1946. Noted with 917:05 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99817. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. To No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot for repairs following a Category C crash on 29 December 1944. To storage with Western Air Command on 11 August 1945. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Pending disposal from December 1945, stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford. Noted with 364:00 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1947.Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99820. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "G". Category A crash on Thorn Hill, near Whonnock, BC (12 miles north-west of Abbotsford, on the Fraser River) on 4 February 1945. 7 fatalities. To No. 3 Repair Depot on 8 February 1945 for write off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99821. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. To Canadian Pacific Airlines for repairs on 25 September 1944. To storage with Western Air Command on 8 January 1945. Back to No. 5 OTU on 2 February 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 746:25 total time. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99822. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 808:35 total time. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-20-CF, serial number 42-99823. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "K". In natural metal finsih by end of war. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 940:40 total time. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments: 178
Known Squadron Assignments: 45 Grp
Known Squadron Assignments: 356
Known Squadron Assignments: 355
Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99894. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. To workshop reserve at RCAF Station Boundary Bay for repairs, on 23 September 1944. Pending disposal from 11 October 1945. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1947.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99895. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "M". Converted to synthetic trainer on 10 July 1944, following a crash. To No. 3 Repair Depot on 23 August 1954, to be struck off. Scrapped in November 1945.Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99896. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "T" while with this Unit. At Abbotsford on 4 September 1944, coded "C", when it struck an obstacle while landing. Port main gear collapsed. Reported missing on night of 9 January 1945. Located, crashed, at Point Roberts (just south of Boundary Bay) on 10 January 1945. Had suffered an explosion in the bomb bay during night bombing practice. Four crew parachuted successfully, three killed. Believed to have been practice bomb striking structure, or a leak in fuel fired heater. Use of these heaters restricted in all 5 OTU Liberators following this, a very unpopular move in the middle of winter. Ownership to No. 3 Repair Depot on 12 January 1945 for write off.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99897. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. At Abbotsford in March 1945, natural metal finish, coded "N". Operated without serial marked at this time, only code letter. By May 1945 coded "VC". Pending disposal from 16 October 1945. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Noted with 799:10 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99898. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "S". To No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC on 19 June 1945 for inspection. To workshop reserve at No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot on19 June 1945. Still there on 30 November 1945. Pending disposal from 2 January 1946, on the books of No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit. Later on the books of No. 10 Repair Depot, stored at Abbotsford. Noted with 806:25 logged time while in storage. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99899. Crashed at Cut Bank, Montana on 25 April 1944, on delivery flight to Canada. Taken on the books and written off on same day, with no record of any salvage. Record Card notes "for records only".Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99900. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "O" shortly after arrival. Category C damage while with No. 5 OTU, on 24 September 1944. To Canadian Pacific Airlines Ltd. for repairs on 25 September 1944. Back to No. 5 OTU on 6 January 1945. Coded "WJ" in spring of 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945. Noted on 27 November 1945 as stored at the Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite at Abbotsford. On the books of No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99902. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "P". Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 892:25 total time. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99903. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. To workshop reserve at Boundary Bay on 3 September 1944, for repairs. Pending disposal from 11 October 1945. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-25-CF, serial number 42-99904. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "U". Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it was noted with 935:45 logged time. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-30-CF, serial number 44-10273. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Coded "X". Category C damage at Abbotsford at 21:39 on 3 April 1945. To No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC on 6 April 1945, for repairs. In natural metal finish by end of war. By 2 January 1946 pending disposal, in storage at the Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite Abbotsford, noted at that time with 582:10 logged time. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-30-CF, serial number 44-10284. With No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. At Abbotsford in March 1945, natural metal finish, coded "AJ". By May 1945 coded "WO". To No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC for "shake down inspection", engine change, and repairs on 10 May 1945. Back to Western Air Command on 20 August 1945, for use as a synthetic trainer at No. 6 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Comox, BC. Pending disposal from 3 October 1945. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 1 February 1946. Scrapped in 1947.Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF B-24J-30-CF, serial number 44-10285. Served with No. 5 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Stations Boundary Bay and/or Abbotsford, BC. Stolen at 04:00 on 6 December 1944 by Sgt. D.P. Scratch (see Bolingbroke 9064). He became bogged down east of Runway 20, damaging or destroying all engines in attempt to get free. He abandoned this aircraft, and then stole Mitchell HD343 . To workshop reserve at Boundary Bay on 8 December 1944. To Canadian Pratt & Whitney for repairs on 1 January 1945, probably a mobile repair party at Boundary Bay. On the books of No. 22 Sub-Repair Depot from 31 January 1945. Repairs not completed until 11 August 1945, to storage then with Western Air Command. Noted with 356:35 logged time on that date. On the books of Maintenance Command by 27 November 1945, stored at Reserve Equipment Maintenance Satellite Abbotsford. Stored at No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit at Abbotsford by 6 March 1946, pending disposal from that date. Scrapped in 1947.Known Squadron Assignments: 547
Known Squadron Assignments: 53
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
Known Squadron Assignments: 246;45
246 Squadron RAF Transport Command, RAF Holmsley South. Liberator CV II aircraft EW626 was carrying military passengers en-route to Prestwick, Scotland when it crashed on take-off at Aqualla, four miles west of RAF Station Lagens, the Azores. The pilot was instructed to make a right turn after take-off but instead turned left and flew into a hillside, killing all aboard
The following personnel were killed: Flight Lieutenant LF Jarvis (RCAF), Leading Aircraftman W Bridgen (RAFAAF), Leading Aircraftman CS Hubbard (RAFVR) Leading Aircraftman D Lindsay (RAF), Warrant Officer D Brochard (RAFVR)(Czech), Squadron Leader AJ Davey DSO (RAFVR), Corporal F Jeckells (RAFVR), Corporal W McKenzie (RAFVR), Flying Officer V Jilek (RAFVR)(Czech), Flying Officer CG Montgomery (RAFVR), Flying Officer AP Walker (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant L Kondziolka (RAFVR)(Czech), Sergeant GA Cain (RAF), Sergeant JH Lawrence (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant AK Murdoch DFC (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant JE Yarnell (RAFVR) and Flight Lieutenant AJ Volek (RAFVR)(Czech)There was one more unidentified passenger killed of whom no information has yet been found. This tragic crash resulted in a loss of 19 casualties
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie page 327
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas page 176
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Czech involvement with RAF Transport Squadrons I Free...
Kenotaf Dalibor Brochard I Spolek pro vojenska pietni mistra
Known Squadron Assignments: 246;86
Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Known Squadron Assignments: ;160
Known Squadron Assignments: 120
The following account of the action is compiled from German records.
Liberator FK 923, which was mistakenly identified as a Lancaster, was sighted at 1123 hrs when 7-8000 metres away, approaching at an altitude of 800 metres. All the boats flak guns which consisted of two twin and one quadruple 200-mm, were immediately manned and fire was opened. despite heavy flak the aircraft circled, drawing slowly closer to the U-boat, Until at 1138 hrs it ran into the attack replying to the -boats fire with cannon when at a range of 1000 metres. Although hit several times, the aircraft pressed home the attack, dropping six depth charges that fell ahead of the poet bow at a distance of between 10 and 159 metres from the U-boat, which was shaken violently. Both the aircraft's starboard engines were seen to have caught fire and shortly afterwards it came down in the sea, exploding on impact with the water. On assumption that none of the aircrew would escape from the wreckage, the CO ordered the U-boat to dive so that a proper inspection of damage, which turned out to be relatively minor , could be made. One of U 539's crew was slightly wounded
Flt Lt JNG Bruce RAF 66528; Wg Cmdr RM Longmore RAF;Warrant Officer EA Mincham 406306 RNZAF Flt Sergeant AE Parsons 901162 RAF;Warrant Officer W Stott 407563 RNZAF; FO RW Tait 21402 RAF; FO FM Webber RCAF J/14447
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: 86
Shortly after take off from Ballykelly on an operational mission, the aircraft crashed into Lough Foyle with the loss of all 9 crew: A launch from 60 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit based in Lough Foyle was ordered out to search for the aircraft but was hampered by thick fog, it being daybreak before the wreckage and 5 bodies were discovered, the cause of the crash was never discovered. In 1982 a propeller from one of the Liberators engines was recovered by a Lynx helicopter from 655 Sqn AAC, Ballykelly and mounted outside the Sergeants Mess. In the operations record book for 60 ASRMCU it is recorded that on 15 November 1943, the body of Sqn Ldr Cooper was carried to Moville Beacon on a launch, transferred to a vessel of the Royal Navy and interred at sea
Sergeant WJ Barber 1239595 Name on Runnymede Memorial; Sergeant EJ Brown 1316499 Name on Runnymede Memorial; Sqn Ldr LF Cooper 33231 Name on Runnymede Memorial; Flt Sergeant JA Deschamps R/141550 RCAF Burried Limavady, St Mary's RC Churchyard; FO DG Evans 132703 Pilot Burried Tenby, St Mary's Church Cemetery; lt Sergeant NKP Hickson 421278 Name on Runnymede Memorial ;Warrant Officer FW Hutchinson 919425 WOp Chingford Mount Cemetery Essex; Sergeant D Kirkwood 1698515 Name on Runnymede Memorial ;Flt Sergeant SAH Richards R/113705 RCAF WOp Tamlaght Finlagan CofI Churchyard, Ballykelly, Potential War Grave
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
"Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Liberator FL959 (Flying Officer G.H. Wharram) took off from Gibraltar at 1030 hours on 2nd September 1943, to carry out anti-submarine sweep in the Bay of Biscay. At 1615 hours, whilst in position 44.00 N, 11.00 W, Liberator was attacked by four Ju.88s. After combat, Liberator was forced to ditch. The captain (Flying Officer Wharram) was killed in action. Sergeant Maloney was killed in the ditching process. "The remaining members of the crew (Flight Sergeant Foss, Flying Officer Collins, Sergeant Bareham, Flying Officer Miller, Sergeant Dilks, Flying Officer Wilcox and Flying Officer Johnston) were in a dinghy for some days. "Flying Officer Miller and Flying Officer [sic] Wilcox died on 7th September and 8th September 1943, respectively, and were both buried at sea, "The remaining members of the crew were rescued at 0945 hours on 9th September 1943 by HMS Wildgoose, but Pilot Officer Collins and Sergeant Bareham died on board ship. "The following personnel survived the ordeal and are now in hospital: Flight Sergeant R.J. Ross [sic] Sergeant M.W. Dilks Flying Officer Johnstone RAF Commands, The Biscay saga
last update: 2024-February-19Known Squadron Assignments: 59
Known Squadron Assignments: 59
At 0415 hrs, on returning from an operational mission in bad weather, the aircraft flew in to Binevenagh at an altitude of about 900 feet when attempting to land at Ballykelly, having previously had to abandon two attempted approaches, the Liberator exploded and all the crew were killed:
FL 977 were on a night anti-sub patrol when they crashed The aircraft struck the mountain fifty feet below the 1,280 foot summit. WOs W.C.Wallace, F.G. Logan, Pilot Officer G.W. Gerring,Warrant Officer H.G. Coombe (RNZAF), and five of the crew, not Canadians,were killed.
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
Known Squadron Assignments: 59
Known Squadron Assignments: 59
Known Squadron Assignments: 160
Known Squadron Assignments: ;148
Known Squadron Assignments: 231;45
An RAF Ferry Command C.IX Liberator, JT982 of 231 Squadron, was scheduled for a Washington, Dorval, Gander, Keflavik, Prestwick, and Northolt flight itinerary. The aircraft departed RCAF Gander on July 4, 1945 on the leg to Keflavik with a crew of 4 and 11 VIP passengers including several women. While enroute towards Keflavik, the Liberator ditched in the North Atlantic apparently due to the elevator becoming jammed. Although an intensive two week air and sea search was carried out, no trace of the aircraft or crew and passengers were ever found from the missing Liberator.
last update: 2024-July-2045 Group RAF Transport Command, Dorval, Quebec. Liberator C IX aircraft JT982, operated by a mixed crew of civilian and 231 Squadron aircrew, was scheduled for a flight from Washington DC USA to Northolt, England with stopovers in Dorval, Gander, Keflavik and Prestwick. The aircraft departed RCAF Gander on July 4, 1945 on the leg to Keflavik with a crew of 6 and 9 VIP passengers including several women, when the Liberator ditched in the North Atlantic, believed due to the elevator becoming jammed. An intensive two week air and sea search was carried out, during which a second, RCAF Liberator 595 was lost in the Atlantic, but no trace of the aircraft, crew or passengers of Liberator JT982 were found
Passengers:
Crew:
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie pages 132, 135-9, 217,259,329
The Liberator in Royal air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas
Known Squadron Assignments: 232
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
Skipper J/86953 Flying Officer Maurice Jorgenson RCAF and his seven crewmates were airborne from Kankesanturai, Ceylon at 1532 hrs on 4 Dec 1944. All eight went missing and have no known graves. Burning wreckage but no sign of life was reported by crews of 354 Sqn Liberators KG850 "Y" and EV950 "T". KG850 reported the Lat/Long of the wreckage as 12.21' N, 85.17' E. From 0056 to 0059 hrs on 5 Dec this Lib circled the debris at 100 ft altitude and took photos. EV950, over the burning wreckage at 0055, reported the location as being 12.21' N, 85.25' E . the same Latitude but a slightly different Longitude than noted by KG850. RAF Commands web page
December 4 1944 Operations Record Book
last update: 2024-February-19Known Squadron Assignments: 356
Known Squadron Assignments: 354
Known Squadron Assignments: 547
Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF serial number 44-10385. Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "Y" shortly after arrival, later coded "VJ". Collided on runway at Abbotsford with KH107 on 3 July 1945, total of 9 casualties, all RAF.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AD". In natural metal finsih by end of war.Known Squadron Assignments: 178
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AC". In natural metal finsih by end of war.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AE". In natural metal finsih by end of war.Known Squadron Assignments: 1674 HCU
The aircraft was carrying out a radar homing exercise with a launch on Lough Neagh when it flew in to rising ground at Tornaroy, Hannahstown, south east of Standing Stones Hill at 0220 hrs and burst into flames, killing all 11 on board, No further details
source: Malcolm Deeley, Ulster Aviation Society
last update: 2024-July-20Known Squadron Assignments: 203
Known Squadron Assignments: 220
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments: 178
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AH".Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments: 178
Known Squadron Assignments: 224
Known Squadron Assignments: 99
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments: 203
Known Squadron Assignments: 203;178
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF serial number 44-672. Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "VJ" and "AQ", dates not known. Collided on runway at Abbotsford with KG880 on 3 July 1945, total of 9 casualties, all RAF.Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. KH108 was EX USAAF 44-10673, and arrived at 5 OTU on 9 August 1944. It was reported missing on the night of 10/11 November 1944, and was later found to have crashed into a mountain on Vancouver Island on 11 November. It was written off the books on 29 December 1944. The wreckage was not located until June 1945, north of the east end of Nitinat Lake. The aircraft carried the code "AT" when it crashed. All 11 crew on board were killed.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AU".Known Squadron Assignments: ;31
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AW".Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AZ". Failed to return from training flight on 9 January 1945. Later found to have crashed at sea off Bell Island (about 10 miles north of Port Hardy, on Vancouver Island). All 11 crew missing, presumed killed.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AX".Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "AY".Known Squadron Assignments: 355
Known Squadron Assignments: 215
Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Known Squadron Assignments: 356
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 159
Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments:
Supplied by RAF for use at No. 5 OTU, Boundary Bay, BC.Known Squadron Assignments: 356
Known Squadron Assignments: 357
Known Squadron Assignments: 357
Known Squadron Assignments: 86
Known Squadron Assignments: 99
Known Squadron Assignments: 99
Known Squadron Assignments: 358
Known Squadron Assignments: 206
Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44308, ex RAF KK237. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 11 December 1944. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it had 596:00 logged time. Stored at Abbotsford, BC by 27 November 1945. On strength with No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit by 1 February 1946. Broken up and sold as scrap in 1946. Hulk recovered from a farm in Chase, BC in 1971, and advertised for sale.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44309, ex RAF KK238. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 16 January 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it had 595:00 logged time. Stored at Abbotsford, BC by 27 November 1945. On strength with No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit by 1 February 1946. Broken up and sold as scrap in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44310, ex RAF KK239. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 16 January 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it had 652:30 logged time. Stored at Abbotsford, BC by 27 November 1945. On strength with No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit by 1 February 1946. Broken up and sold as scrap in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44311, ex RAF KK240. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 15 May 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it had 307:15 logged time. Stored at Abbotsford, BC by 27 November 1945. On strength with No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit by 1 February 1946. Broken up and sold as scrap in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments: ;5
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44312, ex RAF KK241. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 21 May 1945. Reported missing on cross country flight on 1 June 1945. Ownership to No. 3 Repair Depot on 5 June 1945, for write off. Wreckage later found on Mount Welch, BC (East of Chilliwack, now known as Welch Peak).Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USAAF B-24J-95-CF serial 44-44313, ex RAF KK242. Delivered to stored reserve, issued to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, BC on 28 May 1945. Pending disposal from 16 October 1945, when it had 225:10 logged time. Stored at Abbotsford, BC by 27 November 1945. On strength with No. 7 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit by 1 February 1946. Broken up and sold as scrap in 1946.Known Squadron Assignments: 547
Known Squadron Assignments: 45 Grp
Known Squadron Assignments: 220;59
Known Squadron Assignments: 356
Known Squadron Assignments: 6 FU;45
45 Group RAF Transport Command, Dorval Quebec. Liberator BVIII KN 768, leaving for a trans-Atlantic ferry flight to the UK, rotated and raised the undercarriage too early, which caused a propeller to strike the runway and come off. That engine cut-out and although the bomber lifted off the runway, it crashed in flames with the loss of six of the eleven crew aboard. Six crew members survived (from a quoted crew of 12, although many sites list 4 killed from this accident). Limited detail on the survivors has been found to date. All aboard KN768 were part of 6 Ferry Unit
The rescue efforts were immediate and one of the first to respond was Flight Lieutenant DP Varden (RCAF), on leave from RCAF Yarmouth and staying at a house near the crash site. Varden leapt into action, entering the flaming wreckage time and again to try to get the crew out, despite burning his hands in the process. Flight Lieutenant Varden was awarded the George Medal for his bravery
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie page 329
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton, with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas, page 243
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Known Squadron Assignments: 45 Grp
45 Group, RAF Transport Command (Ferio Ferendo) Liberator BVIII aircraft KN 826 flew into the ground after a night take-off from Lydda, Palestine on a delivery flight
Flying Officer SA Bennett (RAFVR)(Can), Flying Officer KHL Houghton DFM and Bar (RAF) (a former Evader), Flight Lieutenant JA Sprigge DFM (RAF), Sergeant EF Rogers (RAFVR), Sergeant RR Gibson (RAFVR), Sergeant MA Hammond (RAFVR), Sergeant DG Longhurst (RAFVR), Sergeant RR Milligan (RAFVR), Sergeant TP Pipe (RAFVR), Sergeant WF Reeks (RAFVR), Sergeant R Meanley (RAFVR), Sergeant LR Hollett (RAFVR)(Nfld), Flight Lieutenant A Maycock (RAFVR) were all killed in this flying accident
Lance Sergeant F Woolley of the North Staffordshire Regiment may also have been a passenger lost in this accident (J Baugher)
Ocean Bridge, The History of RAF Ferry Command by Carl A Christie pages 330, 395
The Liberator in Royal Air Force and Commonwealth Service by James D Oughton with John Hamlin and Andrew Thomas page 246Known Squadron Assignments: 120
Known Squadron Assignments: 223
Known Squadron Assignments: 223