Article 6871 of rec.aviation.military:
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From: jfb@usgp1.ih.att.com (Joe Baugher)
Subject: Bomber Series--Consolidated B-24 Liberator (21 of ??)
Message-ID: <CzpEzr.80D@ssbunews.ih.att.com>
Summary:  Liberator VI and VIII of RAF
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Date: Wed, 23 Nov 1994 04:55:03 GMT
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Approximately 1600 B-24H, J, and L Liberators were supplied under 
Lend-Lease to the Royal Air Force between the spring of 1944 and 
August of 1945.  They were known as the Liberator VI and VIII in RAF 
service (The missing designation Liberator VII was assigned to C-87 
Liberator Express transports supplied to the RAF).  Unfortunately, the 
British mark numbers allocated to these planes did not necessarily 
have any connection with their USAAF designations.  1150 of these 
planes are believed to have been B-24Js, with 739 of them being built 
by Convair/Fort Worth and 411 by Convair/San Diego.  All of the San 
Diego-built machines, as well as the first 500 Fort Worth-built B-24Js 
were given the British designation Liberator Mk.VI, while the 
remainder of the Fort Worth-built machines became Mk.VIIIs.  
However, the designation Liberator Mk.VIII was also applied to the 
Ford-built B-24Ls that were supplied to the RAF following the 
cessation of Liberator production at Convair/Fort Worth.  

Generally, the Mk.VI differed from the Mk.VIII in the former 
having Consolidated-built nose turrets, the latter having 
Emerson-built nose turrets.  However, the Liberator Mk.VI 
designation was also assigned to B-24G and H models which found their 
way to the RAF, and most of these had Emerson nose turrets.  Twelve 
Liberators taken over from the USAAF in Italy early in 1945 were a 
mixed bag of B-24G, H, and J models, and yet all were identified as 
Mk.VIs.  So it is impossible to make any general statement about the 
differences between VI and VIII marks.  

The Liberator VI and VIII retained their US-built nose, dorsal, and 
belly turrets, but the Consolidated tail turret was initially replaced 
by a Boulton Paul turret with four 0.303-inch machine guns.  However, 
many of theses Boulton Paul turrets were replaced by American turrets 
when the planes reached service.  

The RAF Liberators appeared in different forms to meet the needs of 
various commands.  The bomber version was designated B.VI or B.VIII 
and was used primarily as a day bomber in the Mediterranean or South 
East Asia theatres.  Like their American B-24J and L cousins, the B.VI 
and B.VIII bomber versions often had their ball turrets removed to 
save weight.  The maritime reconnaissance version was designated GR.VI 
or GR.VIII and was used by RAF Coastal Command for long range ocean 
patrol.  The GR versions generally had the ball turret replaced by a 
retractable A.S.V.  radar installation.  The GR.VIII differed from the 
GR.VI in having a different ventral radar installation.  Many GRs had 
radar antennae sprouting from the wings and the fuselage, and carried 
underwing Leigh lights for anti-submarine operations at night.  

Numerous Liberator Mk.VI and Mk.VIII aircraft were converted into 
transport configuration in the UK under the designation C.VI and 
C.VIII.  All the armament was removed, the nose and tail were faired 
over, and seating for 24 passengers was added.  They thus became 
similar to C.VIIs that were later supplied to the RAF from USAAF C-87 
stocks.  

Although aircraft delivered to Britain under Lend-Lease generally 
carried USAAF serial numbers for administrative purposes, very few of 
these numbers are known for RAF Liberator VIs and VIIIs.  So it is 
currently impossible to make any one-to-one correlation between USAAF 
and RAF serials, making an interesting problem for aviation 
historians.  

The following serial number listing is a summary of what I have been 
able to glean from various sources, and I would appreciate hearing 
from anyone who has additions and/or corrections.  

The initial batch of Liberators were all Mk.VIs.  They had RAF serials 
of BZ960/BZ999.  These are believed to have all been Fort Worth-built 
B-24Js, although there is no confirmation.  Many of them were 
initially delivered to the RAF with Boulton-Paul tail turrets, which 
were often replaced by Consolidated turrets in service.  They are 
divided as follows:  

B.VIs were serialed BZ962, BZ965, BZ973, BZ974, BZ976/BZ978, BZ982, 
BZ983, BZ989, BZ990, BZ992, BZ993, and BZ996/BZ998.  

GR.VIs were serialed BZ960, BZ961, BZ963, BZ964, BZ966/BZ969, BZ975, 
BZ979, BZ980, BZ984, BZ985, BZ987, BZ988, BZ991, BZ994, BZ995, and 
BZ999. GR.IV BZ960 was converted to B.VI.  GR.IVs BZ979 and BZ985 were 
converted to C.VI 

C.VIs were serialed BZ971, BZ972, BZ981, and BZ986 

The following were listed only as Mk.VI, since their roles were not 
known:  BZ970 and BZ980.  

The next batch of RAF Liberators were serialed EV812 through EV999, 
EW100 through EW322.  This involved 411 aircraft, all of them being Mk 
VIs.  The planes up to EW249 are believed to have all been San 
Diego-built B-24Js, with the remainder being Fort Worth-built B-24Js.  

The following were B.VI:  EV812/EV817, EV820, EV822, EV825, EV826, 
EV828, EV838, EV839, EV841, EV843/EV847, EV849/EV852, EV854/EV855, 
EV857, EV859, EV860, EV862, EV865, EV867, EV868, EV870, EV875, EV876, 
EV900/EV918, EV920/EV932, EV934, EV937/EV938, EV940/EV941, EV944, 
EV946, EV949, EV951, EV952, EV957/EV971, EV973/EV984, EV989/EV991, 
EV993, EV999.  EW101/EW126, EW127/EW128 (USAAF 42-99793/99794), EW129 
(USAAF 42-99827) EW130 (USAAF 42-99809), EW131 (42-99812), EW132 
(USAAF 42-99815) EW133 (USAAF 42-99815), EW133 (USAAF 42-99817) 
EW134/EW137 (42-99820/99823), EW138/EW207, EW215, EW-219/EW250, 
EW251/EW252 (USAAF 44-10254/10255), EW253/EW269, EW270 (USAAF 
44-10273), EW281/EW282 (USAAF 44-10284/10285), and EW287.  
B.VI EV828 was converted to GR.VI and then to C.VI.  
B.VI EV929, EV944, EV962, EW147, EW249, and EW276 were converted to C.VI 

The following were GR.VI:  EV818/EV819, EV821, EV823/EV824, EV827, 
EV829/EV837, EV840, EV842, EV848, EV853, EV856, EV858, EV861, EV863, 
EV866, EV869, EV871/EV874, EV877/EV899, EV919, EV933, EV935, EV936, 
EV939, EV942, EV943, EV945, EV947, EV948, EV950, EV953/EV956, EV972, 
EV985/EV988, EV992, EV994/EV998, EW100, EW251/EW252, and EW288/EW322 
(EW317 was USAAF 44-10320, EW320 was USAAF 44-10323, EW321 was USAAF 
44-10324).  
GR.VIs EV879, EV880, EV886, EV888, EV890, EV896, EV943, EV948, 
EV986/EV988, EV992, EV995, EV997, EV998, EW100, EW290, EW297, and 
EW310 were converted to C.VI.  

Listed only as Mk VI since their roles are unknown:  EV864, 
EW208/EW214 (USAAF 42-99824/99831??) EW216/EW218 (USAAF 
42-99902/42-99904), and EW251/EW252 (USAAF 44-10254/10255), 

The next batch was serialed in the KG821/KG999 and KH100/KH420 range.  
These planes were a mixed bag of Liberator VI and VII versions.  500 
aircraft were involved.  All of these planes are believed to have been 
Consolidated/Fort Worth-built B-24Js, with the possible exception of 
the batch KH100/KH124, which were built by Consolidated/San Diego.  

The following were B.VI:  KG823/KG846, KG871/KG879, KG880 (USAAF 
44-10385, held in Canada), KG881/KG885, KG886 (USAAF 44-10386, held in 
Canada) KG887, KG888 (USAAF 44-10392, held in Canada), KG889/KG890, 
KG891/KG892 (USAAF 44-10396/19397, held in Canada), KG893, KG894 
(USAAF 44-10398, held in Canada), KG919, KG920 (USAAF 44-10425, held 
in Canada), KG921, KG922/KG924 (USAAF 44-10427/10429, held in Canada), 
KG925/KG928, KG929/KG931 (USAAF 44-10434/10436, held in Canada), 
KG933/KG934, KG937/KG942, KG967/KG977, KG978 (USAAF 44-10483, retained 
in Canada), KG993/KG999, KH100/KH104, KH105/KH110 (USAAF 
44-10670/10674, retained in Canada), KH111/KH122, KH147/KH151, 
KH155/KH170, KH171/KH176 (USAAF 44-10736/10741, retained in Canada), 
KH203/KH218, KH222, KH239/KH258, KH269/KH284, KH285/KH288 (USAAF 
44-44156/44159), KH309/KH320, KH323, KH325/KH328, KH349/KH368, KH386, 
and KH389/KH408.  
B.VI KH208 was converted to C.VIII.  
B.VIs KG827 and KH279 were converted to C.VI.  

The following were GR.VI:  KG821/KG822, KG847 (USAAF 44-10352), 
KG849/KG870 (KG852 was USAAF 44-10357), KG895/KG918, KG936, 
KG985/KG986, KG990/KG992 (KG991 was USAAF 44-10656), KH123/KH124, 
KH127, KH134, KH198/KH200, KG991 was USAAF 44-10656.  KH296, KH305, 
KH344, KH348, KH377/KH385, (KH382 was USAAF 44-44253, KH383 was USAAF 
44-44254), and KH419/KH420.  
GR.VIs KG863/KH866, KG868, KG899/KG902, KG905/KG906, KG908, 
KG914/KG916, KG918, KG936, KG985, KH198/KH200, KH305, KH344, KH348, 
KH377, KH380, KH381, and KH419/KH420 were converted to C.VI 

The following were B.VIII:  KG848, KG943/KG958, KG960, KH227/KH238, 
and KH369/KH376.  
B.VIIIs KG848, KG950, and KG960 were converted to C.VIII.  

The following were GR.VIII:  KG959, KG961/KG966, KG979/KG984, 
KG987/KG989, KH125, KH126, KH128/KH133, KH135, KH136, KH143, KH146, 
KH177/KH184, KH189, KH221, KH223/KH226, KH259/KH268, KH290/KH294, 
KH298, KH302, KH306, KH308, KH322, KH329/KH341, KH346/KH347, 
KH387/KH388, and KH410/KH418 
GR.VIIIs KG959, KG980, KG983, KG984, KG987, KG989, KH125, KH126, 
KH128, KH130/KH133, KH177, KH179, KH181, KH182, KH184, KH222/KH226, 
KH259/KH260, KH265/KH266, KH291/KH294, KH298, KH308, KH322, KH333, 
KH334, KH337, KH340, KH411, and KH412 were converted to C.VIII.  
GR.VIIIs KH146, KH346, and KH347 were converted to C.VII 

Out of the previous batch, there is no record of the following RAF 
serials:  KG932, KG935, KH137/KH142 (except that KH138 was 44-10703), 
KH144/KH145, KH152/KH154, KH185/KH188 (except that KH186 was USAAF 
44-10751 and KH187 was USAAF 44-10752), KH190/KH197 (except that KH193 
was USAAF 44-44054, KH194 was USAAF 44-44055), KH201/KH202, 
KH219/KH220, KH285/KH289, KH295/KH297 (except of KH296 as a Mk VI, 
USAAF serial number 44-44167), KH299/KH301 (except that KH299 was 
USAAF 44-44170, KH303/KH304, KH307, KH321, KH324, KH342, KH343, KH345, 
and KH409.  

The next batch of RAF Liberator VI/VIIIs was the 158 planes of serial 
number batch KK221/KK378.  They are believed to have all been 
Convair/Fort Worth-built B-24Js, and are subdivided as follows:  

B.VI:  KK229/KK236, KK243/KK248, KK269/KK288, KK301/KK320, and 
KK343/KK362.  
B.VI KK248 was converted to C.VI.  

GR.VI:  KK221/KK228, KK237,KK242, KK251/KK258, KK260, KK265/KK267, 
KK337, KK340/KK342, KK368, and KK371/KK378.  
GR.VIs KK221, KK222, KK224, KK226, KK228, KK251, KK252, KK254, KK255, 
KK257, KK260, KK265/KK267, KK337, KK340/KK342, KK368, and KK371/KK378 
were converted to C.VI.  

GR.VIII:  KK249/KK250, KK259, KK261/KK264, KK268, KK289/KK300, 
KK321/KK336, KK338, KK339, KK363/KK367, KK369, and KK370.  GR.VIII 
KK322 was converted to C.VIII 

Listed only as Mk.VI:  KK237/KK242 (USAAF 44-44308/44-44313, held in 
Canada), 

The next batch of RAF Liberator VI/VIIIs were the 242 planes of the 
lot KL348/KL689, which are all believed to have been B-24Js.  They are 
subdivided as follows:  

B.VI:  KL352/KL388, KL391/KL393, KL473, KL475, KL476, KL478, KL479, 
KL481/KL489, KL491, KL492, KL494, KL495, KL499, KL501, KL503, KL504, 
KL507, KL508, KL510, KL512, KL513, KL515, KL516, KL521, KL523/KL531, 
KL534, KL536/KL538, KL540, KL541, KL543, KL545/KL549, KL552, KL556, 
KL557, KL560, KL563, KL564, KL569, KL571/KL601, KL607, KL611/KL617, 
KL619/KL630, KL632, KL633, KL635/KL639, KL641, KL642, KL644/KL652, 
KL654, KL655, KL657, KL658, KL663/KL667, KL669, KL670, KL672, KL673, 
KL676, KL679, KL681/KL683, and KL685/KL689 
B.VIs KL486, KL494, KL499, KL503, KL529, KL548, KL576, KL578, 
KL593/KL595, KL613/KL617, KL619/KL623, KL625, KL627, KL628, KL630, 
KL637, KL639, KL641, KL642, KL645/KL647, KL650/KL652, KL657, KL658, 
KL663/KL667, KL669, KL670, KL672, KL673, KL676, KL679, KL686/KL683, 
and KL685/KL689 were converted to C.VI 

GR.VI:  KL348/KL351, all of which were converted to C.VI.  

B.VIII:  KL608/KL610, KL618, KL631, KL634, KL640, KL643, KL653, KL656, 
KL659/KL662, KL668, KL671, KL674, KL675, KL677, KL678, KL680, and 
KL684.  
B.VIIIs KL608, KL631, KL634, KL640, and KL643 were converted to 
C.VIII.  

GR.VIII:  KL390, KL394, KL471, KL472, KL474, KL477, KL480, KL490, 
KL493, KL496/KL498, KL500, KL502, KL505, KL509, KL511, KL514, KL517, 
KL520, KL522, KL532, KL533, KL542, KL544, KL550, KL551, KL553, KL554, 
KL558, KL559, KL561, KL562, KL565/KL568, KL570, KL618, KL631, and 
KL634.  
GR.VIII KL496 was converted to C.VIII 

There is no record of the following:  KL389, KL395/KL470, KL506, 
KL518, KL519, KL535, KL539, KL555, KL602/KL606, 

The 135 planes of KN702/KN836 are believed to have been Ford-built 
B-24Js.  They were distributed as follows.  

B.VI:  KN702/KN707 and KN744/KN752.  

B.VIs KN702/KN707 and KN747/KN750 were converted to C.VI 

B.VIII:  KN759, KN760, KN762, KN764, KN766, KN768, KN771, KN772, 
KN774, KN780/KN784, KN790, KN791, KN793, KN794, KN796, KN798, KN801, 
KN802, KN806/KN808, KN812, KN814/KN816, and from KN818 on to KN836 all 
even numbers.  
B.VIII KN828 was converted to C.VIII.  

GR.VIII:  KN719/KN743, KN753/KN758, KN761, KN763, KN765, KN767, KN769, 
KN770, KN773, KN775, KN776/KN779, KN785/KN789, KN792, KN795, KN797, 
KN799, KN800, KN803/KN805, KN809/KN811, KN813, and from 817 to 836 all 
odd numbers.  
GR.VIIIs KN719, KN720, KN727, KN734, KN737, KN739, KN743, KN754, 
KN756/KN758, KN761, KN763, KN770, KN773, KN775, KN786, KN792, KN795, 
KN810, KN813, KN825, KN829, KN831, KN833, and KN835 were converted to 
C.VIII.  
GR.VIIIs KG723 and KN765 converted to C(VIP).VIII.  

No record of KN708/KN718.  

The final batch of Lend-Lease Liberators for the RAF was the 72 planes 
of KP125/KP196.  They are believed to have been Ford-built B-24Js and 
Ls, and were subdivided as follows:  

GR.VIII:  KP125, KP127, KP129, KP131, KP133, KP135, KP137, KP139, and 
KP141/KP146.  GR.VIIIs KP129 and KP146 were converted to C.VIII.  

B.VIII:  KP126, KP128, KP130, KP132, KP134, KP136, KP138, KP140.  
B.VIII KP128 was converted to C.VIII.  

KP147/KP196 were not delivered.  

The last batches of Liberator VIs to reach the RAF were ex-USAAF 
machines, for which some of the corresponding USAAF serials are known.  
Although these B-24s were a mixed bag of B-24G, H, and J versions, all 
were identified as Mark VIs by the RAF.  They are as follows:  

B.VI:  TT336 (USAAF 44-10597), TT340 (USAAF 42-94797), TT343 (USAAF 
42-51350).  

B.VI:  TW758/TW769.  (ex-USAAF B-24G, H, and J, the serial numbers of 
which I don't know) 

B.VI:  VB852 (USAAF 42-50744).  

With the exception of the TT and TW batches (which were ex-USAAF 
machines), all Mk.  VI Liberators appear to have had the Consolidated 
nose turret, whereas the Mk.  VIII had the Emerson nose turret.  

The first Liberator Mks VI and VII began to arrive in Britain in early 
1944.  Over 40 RAF squadrons flew Liberators at one time or another.  

The following RAF Coastal Command squadrons flew Liberator Mks VI and 
VIII:  Nos 8, 52, 53, 59, 86, 120, 160, 200, 206, 220, 224, 228, 246, 
311, 321, 354, 357, 422, 423, and 547.  In Coastal Command, GR.VIs and 
GR.VIIIs were used primarily for long range ocean patrol.  Many were 
fitted with various types of sea-search radars, with antennae sticking 
out of the wings and fuselage.  Many carried Leigh lights under their 
wings for spotting surfaced submarines at night.  They served both in 
the antisubmarine role in the North Atlantic and in the long-range 
antishipping role in the CBI theatre.  Some of these Liberators were 
used to drop supplies to guerillas operating behind Japanese lines.  
Several were converted into C.VI and C.VIII transports and were used 
to carry troops and supplies.  

The first Liberator Mk.VIs entered service with RAF Bomber Command in 
early 1944.  Most of the RAF B.VIs and B.VIIIs were deployed to the 
Mediterranean and CBI theatres, since they felt that the aircraft was 
not suitable for the bombardment role in northern Europe.  Most were 
used as day bombers, but some were painted black and were used in 
night bombing missions over Burma.  Many were used for leafletting 
missions over enemy territory.  The following Bomber Command squadrons 
flew B.VIs and B.VIIIs:  Nos 37, 40, 70, 99, 104, 108, 148, 159, 178, 
214, 215, 223, 355, 356, 358, and 614.  

The following RAF squadrons operated C.VI and C.VIII transports:  Nos 
102, 103, 159, 215, 232, 243, 246, 422, 423, and 426.  

Small numbers of Liberaters were also used by the following Conversion 
Units:  5 (HP) CU, 1330 (T) CU, 1332 (T) CU, 1584 (HB) CU, 1673 (HB) 
CU, 1674 (HB) CU, 1675 (H) CU, and by 1586 Special Delivery Flight, 
111 OTU, 1425 Flight, 1 AGS, 1346 ASR, 1409 Meteorological Flight, and 
Coastal Command Flying Instructors Schools.  

The Liberator remained in service with the RAF longer than it did with 
the USAAF.  All versions except transports and GR.VIIIs were withdrawn 
from service by June of 1946.  The last GR.VIIIs were withdrawn from 
RAF Coastal Command in 1947.  

Some transport Liberators were taken over by BOAC after the war and 
continued in service for several years thereafter.  A few took part in 
the Berlin Airlift of 1948.  Some transport Liberators found their way 
into service with other nations.  A few bomber Liberators of the RAF 
ended up serving with the Indian Air Force following the departure of 
the British from India.  

An ex-RAF Liberator B.VI (RAF serial number KN751, a B-24L of unknown 
USAAF serial number) is on display RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton in 
England.  

References:

    Famous Bombers of the Second World War, William Green, 
    Doubleday, 1959.

    British Military Aircraft Serials, 1912-1969, Bruce Robertson,
    Ian Allen, 1969.

    Liberator: America's Global Bomber, Alwyn T. Lloyd,
    Pictorial Histories Publishing Co, Inc, 1993.

    The Consolidated B-24J Liberator, Roger A. Freeman,
    Profile Publications, Inc. 1969.

    B-24 Liberator in Action, Larry Davis, Squadron/Signal Publications
    Inc, 1987.

    General Dynamics Aircraft and Their Predecesssors, John Wegg,
    Naval Institute Press, 1990.

    Consolidated B-24D-M Liberator IN USAAF-RAF-RAAF-MLD-IAF-CzechAF
    and CNAF Service, Ernest R. McDowell, Arco, 1970. 

    United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough
    and Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.

    American Combat Planes, 3rd Enlarged Edition, Ray Wagner,
    Doubleday, 1982.

    Jane's American Fighting Aircraft of the 20th Century,  Michael
    J.H. Taylor, Mallard Press.



Joe Baugher			  **************************************
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