World War 2 In Review: anti-submarine warfare

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 32032) of bombing squadron VB-103 en route to the Bay of Biscay in the summer of 1943.

The PB4Y-1 was a navalized version of the USAAF B-24. They were used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship patrol, and photographic reconnaissance, and by the U.S. Coast Guard for patrol and search and rescue (SAR). Naval B-24s were redesignated PB4Y-1, meaning the fourth patrol bomber design built by Consolidated Aircraft. Navy PB4Y-1s assigned to Atlantic ASW and all Coast Guard PB4Y-1s had the ventral turret replaced by a retractable radome. Also, most naval aircraft had an ERCO (Engineering and Research Company) ball turret installed in the nose position, replacing the glass nose and other styles of turret. The ERCO ball turret was essentially spherical whereas the earlier Consolidated or Emerson turrets were essentially cylindrical. All PB4Y-1s had Martin A-3 upper turrets and Consolidated A-6A/B tail turrets. The U.S. Navy received 977 PB4Y-1s (Liberators originally ordered by the USAAF).

The Liberators made a significant contribution to Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic against German U-boats. Aircraft possessed the ability to undertake surprise air attacks against surfaced submarines. Liberators to the RAF’s Coastal Command in 1941 to patrol the eastern Atlantic Ocean in an offensive anti-submarine role produced immediate results. The introduction of Very Long Range (VLR) Liberators vastly increased the reach of Britain’s maritime reconnaissance force closing the Mid Atlantic Gap, where a lack of air cover had allowed U-boats to operate without risk of aerial attack.

For 12 months, No. 120 Squadron RAF of Coastal Command with its handful of much-patched and modified early model Liberators, supplied the only air cover for convoys in the Atlantic Gap, the Liberator being the only warplane with sufficient range. The VLR Liberators sacrificed some armor and often gun turrets in order to save weight, while carrying extra aviation gasoline in their bomb-bay tanks. Liberators were equipped with ASV (Air to Surface Vessel) Mark II radar, which together with the Leigh light gave them the ability to hunt U-boats by day and by night.

These Liberators operated from both sides of the Atlantic with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command and later, the U.S. Navy conducting patrols along all three American coasts and the Canal Zone. The RAF and later, American patrols ranged from the east, based in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and beginning in mid-1943 from the Azores. This role was dangerous, especially after many U-boats were armed with extra anti-aircraft guns, some adopting the policy of staying on the surface to fight, rather than submerging and risking being sunk by aerial weapons such as rockets, gunfire, torpedoes and depth charges from the bombers. In addition to flying from the U.S. coasts, American Liberators flew from Nova Scotia, Greenland, the Azores, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Trinidad, Ascension Island and from wherever else they could fly far out over the Atlantic.

The rather sudden and decisive turning of the Battle of the Atlantic in favor of the Allies in May 1943 was the result of many factors. The gradual arrival of many more VLR and in October, PB4Y navalized Liberators for anti-submarine missions over the “black pit” and the Bay of Biscay was an important contribution to the Allies’ greater success. Liberators were credited in full or in part with 93 U-boat sinkings.

In addition to very long range anti-submarine sorties, the B-24 was vital for missions of a radius less than 1,000 mi (1,600 km), in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters where U.S. Navy PB4Y-1s and USAAF SB-24s took a heavy toll of enemy submarines and surface combatants and shipping.

Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., elder brother of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, was killed in Operation Aphrodite when his PB4Y-1 Liberator, modified as an unmanned bomb exploded in flight.

Damnyankee: A World War II Story of Tragedy and Survival off the West of Ireland by Thomas L. Walsh (2009). The story of a U.S. Navy PB4Y-1 (B-24 Liberator) submarine patrol bomber which ditched off the west coast of Ireland in 1944; five of the ten crew survived 33 hours adrift in a seething North Atlantic storm before drifting ashore in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.

Variants

PB4Y-1: U.S. Navy designation applied to 976 navalized B-24D, J, L and M models built at Consolidated’s San Diego factory, as well as one North American-built B-24G. Later aircraft were equipped with an ERCO bow turret.

PB4Y-1P: Photographic reconnaissance variant developed from the PB4Y-1.

PB4Y-2 Privateer: A developed PB4Y with a large single fin and many other improvements and changes.

P5Y: Proposed twin-engined patrol version of PB4Y-1. Unbuilt.

RY-1: U.S. Navy designation for the C-87A.

RY-2: U.S. Navy designation for the C-87.

RY-3: Transport variant of the PB4Y-2.

R2Y: Liberator Liner built using a new fuselage for the U.S. Navy as an airliner with 48 seats.

PB4Y-1 Serials

The US Navy acquired a total of 977 PB4Y-1 Liberators. There were seven blocks of BuAer serial numbers assigned to these planes: 31936/32335, 38733/38965, 46725/46737, 63915/63959, 65287/65392, 90132/20271, and 90461/90483. All of them were delivered to the Navy from batches originally ordered by the USAAF, and had been assigned USAAF serials before their transfer to the Navy. The USAAF serial numbers of these planes were as follows:

41-23825/23849 Consolidated B-24D-7-CO Liberator

23826,23827 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31936,31937.

41-23920/23958 Consolidated B-24D-13-CO Liberator

23926,23927 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31938,31939.

23946,23947 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31940,31941.

41-23970/24003 Consolidated B-24D-15-CO Liberator

23993/23996 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31942/31945.

41-24030/24099 Consolidated B-24D-15-CO Liberator

24053 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31950

24049/24051 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31946/31948.

24088 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31949

24083,24084 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31951/31952.

24086,24087 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31953/31954.

41-24100/24138 Consolidated B-24D-20-CO Liberator

24115/24118 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31955/31958.

24131/24134 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31959/31962.

41-24175/24219 Consolidated B-24D-20-CO Liberator

24176/24178 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31963/31965.

24208/24210 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31966/31968.

41-24220/24311 Consolidated B-24D-25-CO Liberator

24240/24242 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31969/31971.

24271/24272 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31972/31973.

24303/24307 to Navy as PB4Y-1 31974/31978.

42-40058/40137 Consolidated B-24D-30-CO Liberator

40083/40087 to USN as PB4Y-1 31979/31983.

40118/40122 to USN as PB4Y-1 31984/31988.

42-40138/40217 Consolidated B-24D-35-CO Liberator

40151/40155 to USN as PB4Y-1 31989/31993.

40187/40191 to USN as PB4Y-1 31994/31998.

40204 to USN as PB4Y-1 32043.

42-40218/40257 Consolidated B-24D-40-CO Liberator

40228 to USN as PB4Y-1 31999

40224/40227 to USN as PB4Y-1 32000/32003.

42-40258/40322 Consolidated B-24D-45-CO Liberator

40257 to USN as PB4Y-1 32020.

40258 to USN as PB4Y-1 32009.

40259/40263 to USN as PB4Y-1 32004/32008.

40264 to USN as PB4Y-1 32010.

40270/40273 to USN as PB4Y-1 32001/32014.

40274 to USN as PB4Y-1 32019.

40275/40378 to USN as PB4Y-1 32015/32018.

40279 to USN as PB4Y-1 32021.

40281 to USN as PB4Y-1 32031.

40282/40283 to USN as PB4Y-1 32022/32023.

40295/40299 to USN as PB4Y-1 32024/32028.

42-40345/40392 Consolidated B-24D-53-CO Liberator

40369 to USN as PB4Y-1 32053.

40390 to USN as PB4Y-1 32029.

42-40393/40432 Consolidated B-24D-55-CO Liberator

40423 to USN as PB4Y-1 32030.

40425 to USN as PB4Y-1 32044.

40429 to USN as PB4Y-1 32032.

40430 to USN as PB4Y-1 32038.

40432 to USN as PB4Y-1 32033.

42-40433/40482 Consolidated B-24D-60-CO Liberator

40434/40436 to USN as PB4Y-1 32034/32036.

40437/40438 to USN as PB4Y-1 32039/32040.

40439 to USN as PB4Y-1 32037.

40440 to USN as PB4Y-1 32041.

40441 to USN as PB4Y-1 32045.

40442 to USN as PB4Y-1 32042.

40443 to USN as PB4Y-1 32046.

40446 to USN as PB4Y-1 32047.

42-40483/40527 Consolidated B-24D-65-CO Liberator

40498 to USN as PB4Y-1 63915

42-40528/40567 Consolidated B-24D-70-CO Liberator

40553 to USN as PB4Y-1 63933

40561/40562 to USN as PB4Y-1 32048/32049.

40564 to USN as PB4Y-1 32055.

40565 to USN as PB4Y-1 32050.

40566 to USN as PB4Y-1 32052.

40567 to USN as PB4Y-1 32051.

42-40568/40612 Consolidated B-24D-75-CO Liberator

40568 to USN as PB4Y-1 32064.

40570 to USN as PB4Y-1 32054.

40571/40575 to USN as PB4Y-1 32056/32060.

40576 to USN as PB4Y-1 32065.

40578/40580 to USN as PB4Y-1 32061/32063.

40581 to USN as PB4Y-1 32066.

40584 to USN as PB4Y-1 32067.

42-40613/40652 Consolidated B-24D-80-CO Liberator

40628 to USN as PB4Y-1 63930

42-40653/40697 Consolidated B-24D-85-CO Liberator

40668 to USN as PB4Y-1 32072.

42-40698/40742 Consolidated B-24D-90-CO Liberator

40709 to USN as PB4Y-1 32069.

40711 to USN as PB4Y-1 32073.

40712 to USN as PB4Y-1 32071.

40714 to USN as PB4Y-1 32070.

40715 to USN as PB4Y-1 32074.

40717 to USN as PB4Y-1 32075.

40718 to USN as PB4Y-1 32078.

40720 to USN as PB4Y-1 32068.

40721 to USN as PB4Y-1 32076.

40723 to USN as PB4Y-1 32079.

40724 to USN as PB4Y-1 32077.

40725/40729 to USN as PB4Y-1 32080/32084.

42-40743/40787 Consolidated B-24D-95-CO Liberator

40757 to USN as PB4Y-1 63937

40761 to USN as PB4Y-1 63926

40762 to USN as 63916

40785 to USN as PB4Y-1 32085.

42-40788/40822 Consolidated B-24D-100-CO Liberator

40789 to USN as PB4Y-1 63924

40792 to USN as PB4Y-1 63927

40794 to USN as PB4Y-1 32087.

40796 to USN as PB4Y-1 32091.

40797/40798 to USN as PB4Y-1 32089/32090.

40799 to USN as PB4Y-1 32092.

40802 to USN as PB4Y-1 32088.

40805/40806 to USN as PB4Y-1 32093/32094.

40809 to USN as PB4Y-1 63917

40810 to USN as PB4Y-1 63932

40811 to USN as PB4Y-1 63936

40816 to USN as PB4Y-1 63929

42-40823/40867 Consolidated B-24D-105-CO Liberator

40824 to USN as PB4Y-1 63923

40825 to USN as PB4Y-1 63939

40843 to USN as PB4Y-1 63918

40846 to USN as PB4Y-1 63934

40847 to USN as PB4Y-1 32095.

40860 to USN as PB4Y-1 32086.

40861 to USN as PB4Y-1 63931

40867 to USN as PB4Y-1 63921

42-40868/40917 Consolidated B-24D-110-CO Liberator

40868 to USN as PB4Y-1 32096.

40876 to USN as PB4Y-1 63938

40880/40881 to USN as PB4Y-1 32097/32098.

40882 to USN as PB4Y-1 32102.

40883/40884 to USN as PB4Y-1 32100/32101.

40888 to USN as PB4Y-1 32103.

40889 to USN as PB4Y-1 32099.

40890 to USN as PB4Y-1 32104.

40892/40893 to USN as PB4Y-1 32105/32106.

40895 to USN as PB4Y-1 32107.

40897 to USN as PB4Y-1 63928

40898 to USN as PB4Y-1 32108.

40899 to USN as PB4Y-1 32110.

40901 to USN as PB4Y-1 63922

40902 to USN as PB4Y-1 32109.

40903 to USN as PB4Y-1 32111.

40906 to USN as PB4Y-1 32112.

40907 to USN as PB4Y-1 63925

40908/40909 to USN as PB4Y-1 32113/32114.

42-40918/40962 Consolidated B-24D-115-CO Liberator

40923 to USN as PB4Y-1 32115.

40932 to USN as PB4Y-1 32116.

40936 to USN as PB4Y-1 32117.

40943 to USN as PB4Y-1 32118.

40947/40948 to USN as PB4Y-1 32119/32120.

40950 to USN as PB4Y-1 32123.

40951/40952 to USN as PB4Y-1 32121/32122.

40953 to USN as PB4Y-1 32124.

42-40963/41002 Consolidated B-24D-120-CO Liberator

40971 to USN as PB4Y-1 32126.

41001 to USN as PB4Y-1 32125.

42-41003/41047 Consolidated B-24D-125-CO Liberator

41016 to USN as PB4Y-1 32127.

41019/41020 to USN as PB4Y-1 32128/32129.

41024/41025 to USN as PB4Y-1 32130/32131.

41034 to USN as PB4Y-1 32136.

41035 to USN as PB4Y-1 32135.

41036 to USN as PB4Y-1 32137.

41037/41038 to USN as PB4Y-1 32132/32133.

41039 to USN as PB4Y-1 32138.

41042 to USN as PB4Y-1 32139.

41044 to USN as PB4Y-1 32140.

41045 to USN as PB4Y-1 32134.

41046 to USN as PB4Y-1 32141.

42-41048/41092 Consolidated B-24D-130-CO Liberator

41048 to USN as PB4Y-1 32142.

41052 to USN as PB4Y-1 32144.

41055 to USN as PB4Y-1 32143.

42-41093/41137 Consolidated B-24D-135-CO Liberator

41102 to USN as PB4Y-1 32145.

41119 to USN as PB4Y-1 32146.

41121 to USN as PB4Y-1 32147.

41122 to USN as PB4Y-1 32152.

41123 to USN as PB4Y-1 32148.

41130/41131 to USN as PB4Y-1 32149/32150.

41134 to USN as PB4Y-1 32153.

42-41138/41172 Consolidated B-24D-140-CO Liberator

41138 to USN as PB4Y-1 32151.

41139 to USN as PB4Y-1 32154.

41148 to USN as PB4Y-1 32155.

41153 to USN as PB4Y-1 32156.

41165/41167 to USN as PB4Y-1 32157/32159.

42-41173/41217 Consolidated B-24D-145-CO Liberator

41204 to USN as PB4Y-1 32160.

42-72865/72914 Consolidated B-24D-165-CO Liberator

72883 to USN as PB4Y-1 32161.

72888/72889 to USN as PB4Y-1 32162/32163.

72893 to USN as PB4Y-1 32164.

72895 to USN as PB4Y-1 63948

72897 to USN as PB4Y-1 63945

72903 to USN as PB4Y-1 63946

72905 to USN as PB4Y-1 63942

72906 to USN as PB4Y-1 63947

72909 to USN as PB4Y-1 63943

72910 to USN as PB4Y-1 63950

72913 to USN as PB4Y-1 63949

72914 to USN as PB4Y-1 63957

42-72915/72963 Consolidated B-24D-170-CO Liberator

72915 to USN as PB4Y-1 63944

72916 to USN as PB4Y-1 63959

72917 to USN as PB4Y-1 63958

72918 to USN as PB4Y-1 63952

72919 to USN as PB4Y-1 63951

72920 to USN as PB4Y-1 63956

72921 to USN as PB4Y-1 63955

72922/72923 to USN as PB4Y-1 32165/32166.

72924 to USN as PB4Y-1 63954

72925/72926 to USN as PB4Y-1 32167/32168.

72928 to USN as PB4Y-1 63953

42-73015/73064 Consolidated B-24J-5-CO Liberator

73036 to USN as PB4Y-1 32169.

42-73065/73114 Consolidated B-24J-10-CO Liberator

73091/73110 to USN as PB4Y-1 32170/32189.

42-73165/73214 Consolidated B-24J-20-CO Liberator

73168/73180 to USN as PB4Y-1 32190/32202.

73205/73214 to USN as PB4Y-1 32203/32212.

42-73365/73414 Consolidated B-24J-40-CO Liberator

73400/73409 to USN as PB4Y-1 32213/32222.

42-78155/78314 North American B-24G-10-NT Liberator

78271 to USN as PB4Y-1 38782

42-99986/100035 Consolidated B-24J-60-CO Liberator

100026/100030 to USN as PB4Y-1 32223/32227.

42-100136/100185 Consolidated B-24J-75-CO Liberator

100161/100165 to USN as PB4Y-1 32228/32232.

42-100286/100335 Consolidated B-24J-90-CO Liberator

100296/100304 to USN as PB4Y-1 32233/32241.

42-100336/100385 Consolidated B-24J-95-CO Liberator

100378/100382 to USN as PB4Y-1 32242/32246.

42-100386/100435 Consolidated B-24J-100-CO Liberator

100417/100420 to USN as PB4Y-1 32247/32250.

42-109889/109938 Consolidated B-24J-115-CO Liberator

109905/109914 to USN as PB4Y-1 32251/32260.

42-109939/109988 Consolidated B-24J-120-CO Liberator

109955/109964 to USN as PB4Y-1 32261/32270.

42-109989/110038 Consolidated B-24J-125-CO Liberator

110007/110016 to USN as PB4Y-1 32271/32280.

42-110089/110138 Consolidated B-24J-135-CO Liberator

110124/110133 to USN as PB4Y-1 32281/32290.

42-110139/110188 Consolidated B-24J-140-CO Liberator

110174/110183 to USN as PB4Y-1 32291/32300.

44-40049/40148 Consolidated B-24J-145-CO Liberator

40054/40063 to USN as PB4Y-1 32301/32310

40074/40083 to USN as PB4Y-1 32311/32320

40094/40097 to USN as PB4Y-1 32321/32324

44-40149/40248 Consolidated B-24J-150-CO Liberator

40174/40183 to USN as PB4Y-1 32325/32334

40214 to USN as PB4Y-1 32335

40215/40223 to USN as PB4Y-1 38733/38741

44-40249/40348 Consolidated B-24J-155-CO Liberator

40254/40263 to USN as PB4Y-1 38742/38751

40304/40313 to USN as PB4Y-1 38752/38761

40344/40348 to USN as PB4Y-1 38762/38766

44-40349/40448 Consolidated B-24J-160-CO Liberator

40349/40353 to USN as PB4Y-1 38767/38771

40384/40393 to USN as PB4Y-1 38772/38781

40445/40448 to USN as PB4Y-1 38782/38785

44-40449/40548 Consolidated B-24J-165-CO Liberator

40449/40453 to USN as PB4Y-1 38786/38791

40504/40513 to USN as PB4Y-1 38792/38801

44-40549/40648 Consolidated B-24J-170-CO Liberator

40574/40583 to USN as PB4Y-1 38802/38811

40634/40643 to USN as PB4Y-1 38812/38821

44-40649/40748 Consolidated B-24J-175-CO Liberator

40694/40703 to USN as PB4Y-1 38822/38831

44-40749/40848 Consolidated B-24J-180-CO Liberator

40764/40773 to USN as PB4Y-1 38832/38841

40834/40843 to USN as PB4Y-1 38842/38851

44-40849/40948 Consolidated B-24J-185-CO Liberator

40904/40913 to USN as PB4Y-1 38852/38861

44-40949/41048 Consolidated B-24J-190-CO Liberator

40968/40972 to USN as PB4Y-1 38862/38866

41034/41038 to USN as PB4Y-1 38867/38871

44-41049/41148 Consolidated B-24J-195-CO Liberator

41100/41104 to USN as PB4Y-1 38872/38876

44-41149/41248 Consolidated B-24J-200-CO Liberator

41166/41170 to USN as PB4Y-1 38877/38881

41239/41248 to USN as PB4Y-1 38882/38891

44-41249/41348 Consolidated B-24J-205-CO Liberator

41279/41288 to USN as PB4Y-1 38892/38901

41297/41308 to USN as PB4Y-1 38902/38913

41319/41328 to USN as PB4Y-1 38914/38923

44-41349/41389 Consolidated B-24J-210-CO Liberator

41359/41368 to USN as PB4Y-1 38924/38933

44-41390/41448 Consolidated B-24L-1-CO Liberator

41406/41416 to USN as PB4Y-1 38934/38944

44-41449/41548 Consolidated B-24L-5-CO Liberator

41484/41493 to USN as PB4Y-1 38945/38954

41519/41528 to USN as PB4Y-1 38955/38964

44-41549/41648 Consolidated B-24L-10-CO Liberator

41554/41568 to USN as PB4Y-1 38955/38969

41569/41573 to USN as PB4Y-1 90462/90466

41584/41600 to USN as PB4Y-1 90467/90483

41601/41603 to USN as PB4Y-1 46725/46727

44-41649/41748 Consolidated B-24L-15-CO Liberator

41683/41691 to USN as PB4Y-1 46728/46736

41701 to USN as PB4Y-1 46737

41702/41748 to USN as PB4Y-1 65287/65333

44-41749/41806 Consolidated B-24L-20-CO Liberator

all to USN as PB4Y-1 65334/65391

44-41849/41948 Consolidated B-24M-5-CO Liberator

41857/41861 to USN as PB4Y-1 65392/65396

41862 to USN as PB4Y-1 90132.

41864/41865 to USN as PB4Y-1 90134/90135.

41887/41942 to USN as PB4Y-1 90136/90191.

44-41949/42048 Consolidated B-24M-10-CO Liberator

41997/41999 to USN as PB4Y-1 90192/90194.

42000/42016 to USN as PB4Y-1 90195/90211.

42017 to USN as PB4Y-1 90133.

42032/42048 to USN as PB4Y-1 90212/90228.

44-42049/42148 Consolidated B-24M-15-CO Liberator

42049/42051 to USN as PB4Y-1 90229/90231.

42067/42093 to USN as PB4Y-1 90232/90258.

44-42149/42248 Consolidated B-24M-20-CO Liberator

42176/42188 to USN as PB4Y-1 90259/90271.

44-42249/42348 Consolidated B-24M-25-CO Liberator

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 32032) aircraft from Bombing Squadron 103 (VB-103) underway to the Bay of Biscay, in 1943. Note the extended SCR-717 ASV radar. This aircraft was lost on 12 November 1943 over the Bay of Biscay while attacking and sinking the German submarine U-508. There were no survivors on either side.

Another view of U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 32032) aircraft from Bombing Squadron 103 (VB-103) underway to the Bay of Biscay, in July-August 1943.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, 'A'.

A Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator of patrol bomber squadron VPB-114, wearing U.S. and British markings, at Lagens Field, Terceira Island, Azores Islands, Portugal, in 1944/45. Portugal was neutral, but maintained friendly relations with Great Britain during the Second World War. In 1943 an agreement was reached that allowed the RAF Coastal Command the use of Lagens Field. Therefore, U.S. aircraft based there wore British and U.S. markings and operated under RAF Coastal Command control.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator from Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-110 in flight in September 1944. VPB-110 was based at RAF Dunkeswell, Devon, UK.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator from Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-110 in September 1944.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, U.S. Navy, 31 August 1942.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber in flight circa 1943-45.

The photograph shows the reflecting sun’s rays like a mottled copper shield, the Bay of Biscay stretches to the horizon as a Navy PB4Y Liberator, operating from Southwestern England, flies its “boat” in search of enemy submarines or ships. Distant shadows are clouds, not landfalls. Photograph released February 7, 1944.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (41-23827).

Interior view of pilots in a PB4Y, November 1942.

Stern view of tail gun turret of a PB4Y patrol bomber, November 1942.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, VP-104.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, 107-B-11, “The Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast,” VPB-107, which flew sweeps from Natal, Brazil, and the Ascension Islands, 1943-44.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, VP-104.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators in formation.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator taking off.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret.

PB4Y-1 and B-24 Liberators being assembled in factory in Fort Worth, Texas.

Crew with Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, 304.

Crew with Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 304.

Two Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators in flight with U.S. Navy markings.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 83, “AWOL,” of VP-106.

View from waist window of Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with other PB4Y-1s in formation from VP-106.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, VPB-106. Note the block of wood beneath the tail skid to keep the empty tail-heavy aircraft from “sitting” on its tail.

PB4Y-1 Liberator, number X57.

VP-106 PB4Y-1 Liberators on airfield as seen from another PB4Y-1 taking off.

VP-106 crew member on wing of PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Top turret gunner of a Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator of VP-106.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, January-February 1944. Chance Vought F4U Corsair in background.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 70, “Saints and Sinners,” with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, BuNo 32108, number 08, “Thunder Mug,” VPB-109, with ERCO nose turret. This aircraft was originally ex-USAAF B-24D-110-CO, 42-40898.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator undergoing engine maintenance with ground working from standard work platform.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Front view of Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 90222) after it crashed through guard fence, resting on Marine Corps Base property at the Lindbergh Field extension, San Diego, California.

Side view of Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 90222) after it crashed through guard fence, resting on Marine Corps Base property at the Lindbergh Field extension, San Diego, California.

Fence and tail section of grounded Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 90222) after it crashed through the guard fence resting on Marine Corps Base Property at the end of the Lindbergh Field extension, San Diego, California.

A Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator (BuNo 90137) of the U.S. Coast Guard at Argentia, Newfoundland. The USCG acquired a total of four PB4Y-1s beginning in 1944 and all saw service through 1947. These were B-24s modified for reconnaissance duties. The Coast Guard acquired these venerable aircraft to help fill the rapidly expanding search and rescue effort during and immediately after World War II. Their extremely long-range and overall reliability made them an outstanding platform for extended searches far offshore. At least one of these aircraft were used by the Coast Guard’s International Ice Patrol in the spring and fall of 1946.

PB4Y-1 Liberator from VPB-111, “Modest Miss,” number 733, seen at Palawan Island, 1945.

PB4Y-1 Liberator, BuNo 38829, number 829.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number N440, being moved by a 30-ton salvage trailer crane, 1944. Note this aircraft has a Consolidated nose turret while the PB4Y-1 in the background has an ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, VPB-106, after crash landing, Munda Airfield, New Georgia, 10 February 1944.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators over the Grand Canyon.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator over the Grand Canyon.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret and belly turret extended.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 2-D-1, with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret.

View of Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator attacking U-boat with depth charge and machine guns as seen from tail turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators with ERCO nose turrets and radar aerials under both wings.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 59, with ground crew working on engines.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 51, with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number 52, with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, number Z92, with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator with ERCO nose turret and belly turret extended.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, “Blue Belle,” with ERCO nose turret.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator fitted with rocket rails to evaluate air launch rockets, 1944.

Crew #7, Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, “Mitzi-Bishi,” number 091, VB-106, Guadalcanal, 1943.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator undergoing nosewheel maintenance inside hangar.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, BuNo 32276, ex-USAAF 42-110012, “COMAIR WOLFPAC II,” VPB-101.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, BuNo 38843, “Boss Burton’s Nitemare,” VPB-102.

PB4Y-1 Liberators, VB-107, Natal, Brazil, 1943. Originally flying PBY-5As, the squadron was then known as VP-83, the change in designation coming after they exchanged the PBYs for PB4Y-1s. On 21 January 1944 they deployed to Upottery, England, for the duration of the war.

PB4Y-1, number 107-B-7, VB-107, on patrol in the South Atlantic.

PB4Y-1, number 107-B-11, VB-107, “The Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast,” Parnamirim Field, summer 1943.

Another view of PB4Y-1, number 107-B-11, VB-107, “The Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast,” with its crew standing on her wings, Parnamirim Field.

PB4Y-1, number 107-B-11, VB-107, “The Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast.”

PB4Y-1, number 107-B-11, VB-107, “The Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast,” after an aborted takeoff accident while fully loaded with fuel and bombs, Parnamirim Field, October 1943. It appears that the port outboard engine’s prop ran away and broke loose, hitting the inboard engine nacelle and prop, which in turn broke loose, and one or both sliced into the port side of the fuselage, leaving a gash just behind the pilot’s seat.

Crew of PB4Y-1, “Macahyba Maiden,” Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

PB4Y-1, “Macahyba Maiden,” Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

PB4Y-1, “Sea Beast.’”

PB4Y-1, “Sea Beasts.” Not the same aircraft as above.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, BuNo 38943, “Beachcomber,” number R943, VPB-102.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, “Come ’n Get It.”

PB4Y-1s on patrol, Brazil.

Members of VB-107 in dress whites, with PB4Y-1s in background, Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

PB4Y-1, VB-107, Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

PB4Y-1, number 107-P-4, VB-107, “Little Joe.” “Little Joe” may not be the plane’s name, but the name of one of the crew members in the nose. Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

PB4Y-1, number 107-P-7, VB-107, “Bounce Drill,” Parnamirim Field, Brazil.

Enlisted personnel of VB-107 in front of a PB4Y-1, number 107-P-8, Parnamirim Field, Brazil, December 1944.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber takes off from Eniwetok Airfield (Stickell Field), 13 April 1944. The photo was taken from the top of the observation tower. Note other PB4Y's parked beyond the runway, and two Liberty ships in the distance. Bombing Squadrons VB-108 and VB-109 flew from Eniwetok in April 1944.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber takes off from Eniwetok Airfield (Stickell Field), 16 April 1944. Bombing Squadrons VB-108 and VB-109 flew from Eniwetok in April 1944.

Aerial photograph taken during the rescue by an RAF high speed launch of the crew of a U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator on the day after they were shot down by German Junkers Ju 88s in the Bay of Biscay. A 67-ft Thornycroft High Speed Launch, HSL 2641, approaches the dinghies containing the survivors.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator of Patrol Bomber Squadron VPB-114, wearing U.S. and British markings, at Lagens Field, Terceira Island, Azores Islands (Portugal), in 1944/45. Portugal was neutral, but maintained friendly relations with Great Britain during the Second World War. In 1943 an agreement was reached that allowed the RAF Coastal Command the use of Lagens Field. Therefore, U.S. aircraft based there wore British and U.S. markings and operated under RAF Coastal Command control.

PB4Y-1 of VB-110 attacking German U-boat in English Channel on June 8, 1944.

Strike photograph showing the strafing of a Japanese merchant ship in the waters of Yulin Bay, off Hainan Island, by a U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator aircraft from Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-104. The squadron operated from Clark Field, Luzon (Philippines), from March to October 1945.

Aerial view showing Japanese fighters lined up at an airfield on the island of Formosa as seen from a U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator aircraft from Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-104. The squadron operated from Clark Field, Luzon (Philippines), from March to October 1945.

Air-to-air view of a Mitsubishi Ki-21 bomber (Allied code name: "Sally") in flight over China with green cross surrender insignia on the aircraft as seen from a U.S. Navy Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator aircraft from Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-104. The squadron operated from Clark Field, Luzon (Philippines), from March to October 1945.

U-249 surrendering on May 9, 1945. U-249 was the first U-boat to surrender after Germany’s surrender. The submarine surrendered to a PB4Y-1 Liberator from FAW-7 off Scilly Islands.

Another view of U-249 surrendering on May 9, 1945. U-249 was the first U-boat to surrender after Germany’s surrender. The submarine surrendered to a PB4Y-1 Liberator from FAW-7 off Scilly Islands.

Senior Navy officers visit Saipan, 1944 Present are Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, USN, Commander Fifth Fleet; Admiral Ernest J. King, USN, Chief of Naval Operations and Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet; Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas; and Brigadier General Sanderford Jarman, U.S. Army. Aircraft in the background is a PB4Y-1.

Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberators, Lagens (Lajes) Field, Terceira Island, Azores, 20 July-1 August 1944. The two remaining VB-114 aircraft and crews at Port Lyautey were relocated to Lagens (Lajes) Field, Terceira Island, Azores, leaving no squadrons in French Morocco. On 24 July 1944, two aircraft from the Dunkeswell detachment arrived to supplement the group. Movement of all equipment, supplies, personnel and aircraft was completed by 28 July 1944. The Azores detachment came under the administrative control of FAW-9. The first operational combat mission ever flown from neutral Portuguese territory took place on 1 August 1944. The Azores belonged to Portugal, a neutral power in World War II. Britain, being a long-standing ally of Portugal, was allowed to establish an air base on the Azores in 1943. Although the airfield could be used as a staging post by U.S. aircraft, it could not be used as a permanent base unless the aircraft carried British markings. An agreement was reached whereby the squadron would be based on Terceira Island to operate under RAF Coastal Command operational control with both British and U.S. markings. The detachment remaining in the U.K. continued under the operational control of FAW-7.