VPNAVY VP-9 Mishap - Soviet Shot Down 22JUN55 - No Loss Of Life
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MishapVP-110 MishapMishap

1940's

MishapsMISHAPs: 18 DEC 43 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Lincolnshire, England BUNO: 63934 Cause: Plane diverted to RAF Station at Beaulieu due to fog and rain. Pilot calculated only fifteen minutes of fuel left and order crew man there parachutes and bail out. "Strike" Pilot Lt(jg) George H. Charno A-V(N) USNR/Seriously inj, Lt(jg) Robert G. Wissman USNR/Ok, Ens Cecil R. Colyer USNR/Ok, Amm3c Walter O. Leversing/Seriously inj, Acrm Douglas S. Peterson/Seriously inj, Rm3c Archie P. Oliver/Ok, Aom3c Warren W. Olson/Seriously inj, Sea2c William J. Clayton/Seriously inj, Sea2c Dewey M. Clark/Ok, Amm1c Winston C. Ketchem/Ok, and Acrm Boyd S. Barber/Seriously inj. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [28AUG2001]

UPDATE "...PB4Y-1 63934 - Broken Ground 18th Dec 1943..." WebSite: HIGH GROUND WRECKS in the UK & Ireland http://members.lycos.co.uk/daveswrecks/hobbies0.html [13FEB2004]


MishapsMISHAPs: 28 DEC 43 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Haverstack, Devonshire, England BUNO: 63926 Cause: Just prior to leaving the search area, he was joined by #12, just above the cloud tops. An unknown plane came in on $5's starboard quarter and began firing, #5 returned fire. #12 then closed in and fired his deck turret in the general direction of the unknown plane, which then ducked down into the clouds. #5 reported afterwards by voice radio that there had been two Dorniers along side of him. #5 and #12 exchanged headings home and #12 heard #5 talking to his navigator and saying something about taking a heading of 054True, the two plane proceeded independently. An ETA of 2220 was received at 2215 by Flying Control. No further communications were received. It was later determined the aircraft struck level ground on top of a hill on a easterly course at an altitude of 1875-ft and dug a furrow about a quarter of a miles long and ten shot into the space, striking the ground about 400-ft below the side of the hill. Small bits of wreckage and five depth charges were scattered along the top of the hill beginning at the initial point of contact, with most of the aircraft on the hillside demolished and badly burned. Crew killed: Pilot Lt William Wells Parish A-V(N) UNSR, Ens Donald Nanley Lyons (co-pilot) A-V(N) USNR, Ens Roger W. Lovelace A-V(N) USNR, Amm2c Arthur James Stork USNR, Amm2c John Edwin Shaffer USN, Rm2c Leo Merrill Davenport USNR, Rm3c John Francis Benson USNR, Amm3c Charles Allen Reynard USNR, Aom3c Alfred Joseph Roddy,Jr. USNR, and Amm3c Dwight Evertt Nash USNR. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [28AUG2001]

UPDATE "...BURIAL FLAG & DEATH DOCS NAVY BOMBING SQDRN VB-110 KIA! WINGS, SWORD BELT, BADGE..." WebSite: EBay BURIAL FLAG & DEATH DOCS NAVY BOMBING SQDRN VB-110 KIA! WINGS, SWORD BELT, BADGE [26JUL2015]

Probably the most heart rendering is always the documentation. Here we begin with the awards document. It is 14.75 inches by 12.25 inches wide, it is signed in facsimile by the President and is embossed with the National Seal. In this case, the signature is Franklin D. Roosevelt. It describes the death of one, “Don Manley Lyons, Jr.” who was reported killed at, “Plymouth, England.” Further he was listed as being, “Attached Bombing Squadron 110” and finally, killed upon, “23 December 1943”. This is particularly interesting, because the Squadron he was attached to, lists in it’s Mission Logs the following: “28 Dec 1943: While returning to base on 28 December after looking for targets, Lieutenant Commander Reedy encountered four He-177 aircraft. In the resultant melee, Reedy’s crew managed to damage one of the enemy, sending it back towards France trailing smoke from a fire in its starboard engine. On the same mission, Lieutenant Parrish and his crew were killed when their aircraft crashed into high ground near Okehampton, Devon.” It is evident that Don Manley Lyons, Jr. was part of the crew. He was not the pilot, so was either a Navigator or Bomber. The document is numbered on the rear bottom edge as “18943”, the same number as upon the mailing/shipping tube as addressed to the wife.:

The next item is the mailing tube, addressed to the poor man’s wife. Records on the web show the following: “LYONS, Don Manley, Jr., Ensign, USNR. Wife, Mrs. Barbara Obits Lyons, 125 Fair St., SE Grand Rapids.” No idea on the discrepancy in address, but people move after being married. She could even have gone with the parents after the death of her man. The tube is of course addressed to the same woman, at Box 354 in Rockford. It has both end caps and is not crushed or damaged in any way, but is pristine and in Navy Gray color. The return Address is for the Department of the Navy in D.C.

The flag is of standard burial type, with the eyehooks on the leading edge sides. It is Government marked as, P.Q.B. 5’ X 9”6” and is time capsule mint. These flags were typically kept in some safe place out of respect. This one is in such condition. Embroidered stripes and stars, it is hefty and well made. A fitting tribute.

Next is a Naval Officer’s Sword belt in leather, mint with the Officer’s Gold Eagle buckle and all gilt accoutrement hardware. It is only size marked “33” inside, nothing more.

The bullion Officer navy flight wings are 3.25 across from felt base edge to felt base edge, although the wings themselves are 2.6 inches across the bullion part. They are pretty fine and intricate construction.

Along with the wings was a nice, double screw back Officers Cap Eagle and Anchor set, two piece as the Eagle and Anchors separate via the lower screw assembly. The top screw is tight, but the post threads are not stripped in any way, probably just age. I leave them as is. This is a fancy set of insignia, wire braided rope and gold plated anchors.

As to the unit, what a rare legacy, and deadly. This squadron lost nearly all it’s original contingency of flight personnel before the war ended, as they were established as Bombing Squadron (VB-110) on 18 July 1943. This is the period when Don was killed, as the unit was re-designated Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB-110) on 1 October 1944, after his death. It was disbanded on 1 September 1945. They flew the PB4Y-1 Liberator under the operational control of FAW-5. VB-110 arrived and set up at RAF St. Eval, Cornwall, England, with only 12 aircraft on 15 October 1943. The Squadron’s first mission over the Bay of Biscay was on 20 October 1943. They then were stationed at RAF Dunkeswell, Devon, England, on October the 30th of 1943. Don would die flying out of this base less than 2 months later. Here, VB-110 flew with three other squadrons as part of Patrol Air Group One. In November, VB-110 strafed U-966, commanded by Oberleutenant Eckehard Wolf commanding, until beaten back by AA fire that damaged their aircraft. By war’s end, VB-110 had lost the majority of its original flight crews and aircraft. These were, of course, replaced - but the toll of this type of patrolling was perilous.

Don was born on on 21 Sep 1921, as Don Manley II, LYONS. His parents were Don Manley LYONS (born on 22 Aug 1893. He died on 7 Sep 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Hilda on 27 Sep 1920) & Hilda BUESING (born on 28 Feb 1902. She died on 17 Aug 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah). THESE ITEMS WERE BOUGHT AT THE ESTATE SALE HERE IN UTAH. I’m sure young Don’s death crushed them deeply.

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UPDATE "...PB4Y-1 Liberator 63926, Dartmoor, 28th December 1943..." WebSite: HIGH GROUND WRECKS in the UK & Ireland http://members.lycos.co.uk/daveswrecks/newpage1.html [13FEB2004]

MishapsMISHAPs: 08 NOV 43 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Misson over the Bay of Biscay BUNO: 63919 Cause: LT Grumbles and his crew failed to return from their assigned mission in the Bay of Biscay. No communications were received by 19 Group R.A.F. Coastal Command. Another USN Liberator, U-105, intercepted an 'Oboe Able' signal believed to have been transmitted by LT Grumbles' plan. No trace of the plane or crew were found. Contributed by David Sharland (Founder - NAF Dunkeswell, Devonshire, England Official WebSite) david@davidsharland.wanadoo.co.uk [26NOV2012]

Mishap HistoryCrew Listing


MishapsMISHAPs: 26 AUG 43 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: US Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina BUNO: 63992 Cause: Training Flight - Plane was out on a training flight, practicing ASB runs and strafing target. Several dives were made at a speed of about 280 miles per hour. On final dive speed at 300 miles per hour, the pilot made a normal recovery, and at that time the yoke suddenly snapped all the way back and the pilot noted that little elevator control was obtained. Rear gunner reported that elevators were torn off. Pilot was in a slight climb within limits of 300-ft, up and down could be maintained by shifting crew. He climbed to 2000-ft and leveled off and set course back to base. After contacting tower and obtaining clearance he made a wide turn and started his approach to field at a speed of 140 miles per hour with 20deg flaps. The approach was normal and as plane reached an altitude of 15-ft the pilot closed the throttles. Pilot was unable to hold nose up and plane hit hard on nose wheel, ran a short distance and nose wheel collapsed. About the same time the side wheels also collapsed and plane skidded on its keel for about 2500-ft. Friction upon landing caused small fire to ignite fuselage, which were quickly extinguished by crash truck. No gasoline fires occurred. Aircraft badly damaged: "A" Crew minor injuries: Pilot LT(jg). James R. Rowe, USNR/Injured, ENS Robert H. Heiser(co-pilot)/Injured, ENS. Maynard E. Graff/Seriously inj, AOM3 Charles L. Tidd/Injured, AMM2 Stanley J. Kolousek/Injured, Sea2 "J" "P" Popp/Injured, ARM2 George Suminski/Injured, AMM2 Charles S. Bruce/Injured, AMM2 Howard B. Levitt/Injured, and ARM3 Eugene M. Greensverg/Injured. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [18NOV2003]


MishapsMISHAPs: 27 FEB 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Dunkeswell, Devonshire, England BUNO: 63939 Cause: Anti-submarine patrol. Crashed at sea after hitting Great Skellig Rock in bad weather:51-46N 10-32W Crew killed: Pilot Lt John Louis Williams A-V(N) USNR, Lt(jg) Charles William Quigle A-V(N) USNR, Ens Kendall Lee Bowan A-V(S) USNR, Acmm Willis Elijah Glover USN, Amm2c Gordon Edward Davidson USN, Rm2c John Ashbury Huffman,Jr. USNR, Rm3c Herbert Carl Crow USNR, Aom3c John Edward McLaughlin USNR, Amm3c Ernest William Libby USNR, Sea2c Jack thruman Flener USNR, and Sea2c Morris John Olson USNR. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [31AUG2001]

UPDATE "...ACMM Willis Elijah Glover should be ACMM Elijah Glover Willis, Jr..." Contributed by AD1 Tom Bass (NAC/AW) Retired fortnut@gmail.com [04MAR2011]


MishapsMISHAPs: 07 MAR 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Chivener BUNO: 32210 Cause: While on patrol, #4 engine went out after oil pressure dropped. Propeller was feathered. Plane directed to emergency field for force landing. Perimeter lights on Sneldiderof Field were out of order. During landing approach, #2 engine caught fire; co-pilot cut #1 engine, instead of #2. Landing was made on one engine. In later stage of landing approach, landing gear struck a hut and was damaged so that it gave away upon landing. Airplane DBR, all engines require major over-haul. Crew OK. Pilot Lt(jg) R. B. Methaus A-V(N) USNR, Lt(jg) J. F. Chulala A-V(N) USNR, Ens R. D. Kirtley A-V(S) USNR, Amm1c J. R. Sellers, Amm2c R. L. Seruton, Rm2c F. A. Wilson, Rm3c K. R. Thibault, Aom3c J. E. Nichols, Amm2c J. A. Volpe, and Rm3c W. J. Flaherty. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [02SEP2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 09 MAR 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Devonshire, England BUNO: 63946 Cause: Anti-submarine patrol ETO Airborne at 0856, last radio contact at 2230. Missing at unknown location. Failed to return from assigned mission. As of 12 Mar 44 it is concluded that as a result of a combination of a navigation error and a mechanical difficulty, plane crashed or ditched at sea or in enemy held territory, or was abandoned in air over Cherbourg Peninsula, France. Missing crew: Pilot Lt(jg) William H. Ryan USN (T), Ens John J. Shea (co-pilot) USNR, Ens William Sharkey (navigator) USNR, Amm1c Curtis E. Burger USN, Amm3c Wilbert H. Schultz USNR, Rm3c Turner J. Howard USN, Rm3c William E. Greenfield USN, Aom3c Morgan R. Jones USN, Amm3c Harry B. Coombs USNR, and Amm3c Maurice F. Regan USNR. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [31AUG2001]

UPDATE "...I was looking at the book "U.S. Navy PB4Y-1 [B-24] Liberator Squadrons in Great Britain during World War II" by Alan C. Carey recently. My Dad's brother, ARM3c Warren E. Greenfield, was part of the crew commanded by LT(jg) William H. Ryan that was lost on March 12, 1944 (SEE: VPB-110 Mishap Dated: 09 MAR 44). There's a picture of LT(jg) Ryan and his crew on page 53 of the book. I was hoping someone might be able to identify the crew members in the hopes of being able to find out if any of them could be my uncle. My uncle was a radio operator in the Navy. Any help would be appreciated. I do realize the great amount of years that have passed since that time long ago, but it would mean great deal to me and my family. My Dad passed away three years ago, but he always wondered about his brother and what happened to him..." Contributed by Neil Greenfield ncg61@wideopenwest.com [05NOV2012]

UPDATE "...I would be grateful to anyone who has memories of AR2c Turner J Howard who was serving with VPB-110 (SEE: VPB-110 Mishap Dated: 09 MAR 44) at NAF Dunkeswell, Devonshire, England before he was killed in March 1944...Grahame D. Smith Luppitt Local History Group nicola.cornish@ukgateway.net..." [25JUN2002]


MishapsMISHAPs: 31 MAR 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Unknown BUNO: 63940 Cause: Anti-submarine patrol. Crashed at sea. Crew missing: Pilot Lt(jg) Orville Robert Moore A-V(N) USNR, Lt(jg) Golbert Andrew Rapp (co-pilot) A-V(N) USNR, Ens Robert MacKrueger (navigator) A-V(S) USNR, Amm1c Sam Roy Clayton USN, Amm2c Walter Anthony Bozrich USNR, Rm1c Wesley Nelson Swanson USNR, Rm2c Paul Immel Jordan USNR, Aom2c James Robert Stewart USNR, Amm2c Henry Oliver Prather USN, and Sea2c Gerald Preston Enfinger USN. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [02SEP2001]

UPDATE "...Ens Robert MacKrueger should be Ens Robert Mac Krueger..." Contributed by AD1 Tom Bass (NAC/AW) Retired fortnut@gmail.com [04MAR2011]

UPDATE "...Article written by Sam Adkins that appeared in the (Louisville) Courier-Journal, Roto Magazine on May 14, 1944..." Contributed by Tony Sivo, Jr. sivo@flash.net [02JUL2006]

I have long had a copy of an article, written by Sam Adkins, that appeared in the (Louisville) Courier-Journal, Roto Magazine on May 14, 1944. It describes a patrol on which my late father, Tony Sivo, was a co-pilot (VPB-103). The patrol took place on 31 Mar 44. In his Log Book, he comments that they were "attacked by JU-88's". The article referred to an attack on two other PB4Y-1's as well as their own (the "Pistol Packin' Mamma, BUNO 32207). There wasn't much detail. Last year I found among my late uncle's personal effects, an uncensored version of that article. It appears to describe the two VPB-110 planes (BUNO 63940 and BUNO 63948) that were reported as downed on your website on 31 Mar 44.

I offer the following excerpt:

"(Lt JG Duke) Corning picked up two other Libs from our group which had taken off before us, and another fell in behind for a little practice in formation flying before we had to separate to continue the patrol. We knew that a short time before an earlier patrol had depth-charged a U-Boat somewhere in this area, and everyone was keyed up, hoping for a chance to sight the wreckage and complete the kill. We didn't know that the nearby clouds were alive with JU-88's.

We came to a parting of the ways, and Corning, flying the left wing position, swung wide toward the east - and the French coast. Less than three minutes later, we could see that one of the three planes we had left was in trouble. Two or three JU's were buzzing about her. Then we saw her jettisoned depth charges send the sea geysering, and saw the Lib high-tailing it for cloud cover.

Corning started to swing 'Pistol Packin Mamma' to go to the attacked ship's aid, but someone called out over the interphone (intercom in the Army) system, 'two planes to starboard, believe they're Beaufighters' (British).

Corning took a look, then shouted to Co-Pilot Sivo, 'Beaufighters Hell! They're JU's. Let's go!'

We began climbing toward the clouds, faster and faster as the two men did all the thousand and one things necessary to make a Lib act like a climbing P-47.

We started the climb from about 2,000 feet, and the clouds were about 4,100. When we were almost there, I peered out between the Pilot and Co-Pilot -- and almost swallowed my tongue, or something; out of the cloud cover roared another JU-88, so close to us we almost could have shaken hands with the Pilot -- not more than 150 yards away, to be exact.

He was in perfect position to become a sitting duck for our top-turret gunner, (MM 2/C T. H.) Vidrine; he had seen us at the last minute and couldn't possibly turn around to shoot, so he skidded his plane crazily and tore back into the clouds. There wasn't a shot fired; Vidrine wasn't in position, and the split second the Jerry was in sight was too short for him to bring the twin-fifties to bear.

Vidrine was fit to be tied. 'Why didn't I get that ______?' he kept yelling to himself. 'Why didn't I get him.'

Apparently unperterbed, Corning told Sivo, 'Well that's the closest I ever expect to get to a Jerry plane without somebody getting shot. Who ever heard of a Lib getting on a JU's tail, anyhow?' And he went on tooling 'Mamma' through the soupy clouds.

It wasn't until we returned to the base tonight that we learned that Jerr(y) had got two of our planes. At least they got one; the other failed to return."

The article also refers to Lt JG Charles R. Jones (navigator), M. Cameron (first radioman) and W. Purdy (second radioman).


MishapsMISHAPs: 31 MAR 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Unknown BUNO: 63948 Cause: Anti-submarine patrol. Crashed at sea. Crew missing:Pilot Lt Harold Barton A-V(N) USNR, Lt(jg) Richard J. Schuetz (co-pilot) A-(N) USNR, Ens Clifford John Parker (navigator) A-V(N) USNR, Ens Philip William Bash A-V(S) USNR, Acmo Winston C. Ketchem (AA) USNR, Amm3c William F. Smith USNR, Amm2c Richard P. Krobe USNR, Rm2c Eugene V. J. Timberman USN, Aom2c Donald C. Gamble USN, Rm3c Edwin H. McLean USNR, Rm3c Archie P. Oliver USNR, and Aom2c Richard W. Melette USN. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [02SEP2001]

UPDATE "...Our Uncle, Donald C. Gamble, AOM2c, was killed over the Bay of Biscay, England on March 31, 1944 during anti-Submarine Patrols in WWII as his VP-110 PB4Y-1 (BuNo 63940 plane piloted by LT Harold Barton) was shot down by a German JU-88. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of his fellow crew members and their families. Even though it has been 74 years since they were killed, Donald's family has always kept his spirit and memories alive from generation to generation because he died to help his country and to make sure we continue to have our Freedom..." Contributed by Niece csherm37@att.net [02NOV2018]

UPDATE "...AMM2c Richard P. Krobe should be AMM2c Richard P. Krebs; RM2c V.J. Timberman should be ARM2c Eugene V.J. Timberman; AOM2c Richard W. Melette should be AOM2c Richard W. Mellette..." Contributed by AD1 Tom Bass (NAC/AW) Retired fortnut@gmail.com [04MAR2011]

UPDATE "...Article written by Sam Adkins that appeared in the (Louisville) Courier-Journal, Roto Magazine on May 14, 1944..." Contributed by Tony Sivo, Jr. sivo@flash.net [02JUL2006]

I have long had a copy of an article, written by Sam Adkins, that appeared in the (Louisville) Courier-Journal, Roto Magazine on May 14, 1944. It describes a patrol on which my late father, Tony Sivo, was a co-pilot (VPB-103). The patrol took place on 31 Mar 44. In his Log Book, he comments that they were "attacked by JU-88's". The article referred to an attack on two other PB4Y-1's as well as their own (the "Pistol Packin' Mamma, BUNO 32207). There wasn't much detail. Last year I found among my late uncle's personal effects, an uncensored version of that article. It appears to describe the two VPB-110 planes (BUNO 63940 and BUNO 63948) that were reported as downed on your website on 31 Mar 44.

I offer the following excerpt:

"(Lt JG Duke) Corning picked up two other Libs from our group which had taken off before us, and another fell in behind for a little practice in formation flying before we had to separate to continue the patrol. We knew that a short time before an earlier patrol had depth-charged a U-Boat somewhere in this area, and everyone was keyed up, hoping for a chance to sight the wreckage and complete the kill. We didn't know that the nearby clouds were alive with JU-88's.

We came to a parting of the ways, and Corning, flying the left wing position, swung wide toward the east - and the French coast. Less than three minutes later, we could see that one of the three planes we had left was in trouble. Two or three JU's were buzzing about her. Then we saw her jettisoned depth charges send the sea geysering, and saw the Lib high-tailing it for cloud cover.

Corning started to swing 'Pistol Packin Mamma' to go to the attacked ship's aid, but someone called out over the interphone (intercom in the Army) system, 'two planes to starboard, believe they're Beaufighters' (British).

Corning took a look, then shouted to Co-Pilot Sivo, 'Beaufighters Hell! They're JU's. Let's go!'

We began climbing toward the clouds, faster and faster as the two men did all the thousand and one things necessary to make a Lib act like a climbing P-47.

We started the climb from about 2,000 feet, and the clouds were about 4,100. When we were almost there, I peered out between the Pilot and Co-Pilot -- and almost swallowed my tongue, or something; out of the cloud cover roared another JU-88, so close to us we almost could have shaken hands with the Pilot -- not more than 150 yards away, to be exact.

He was in perfect position to become a sitting duck for our top-turret gunner, (MM 2/C T. H.) Vidrine; he had seen us at the last minute and couldn't possibly turn around to shoot, so he skidded his plane crazily and tore back into the clouds. There wasn't a shot fired; Vidrine wasn't in position, and the split second the Jerry was in sight was too short for him to bring the twin-fifties to bear.

Vidrine was fit to be tied. 'Why didn't I get that ______?' he kept yelling to himself. 'Why didn't I get him.'

Apparently unperterbed, Corning told Sivo, 'Well that's the closest I ever expect to get to a Jerry plane without somebody getting shot. Who ever heard of a Lib getting on a JU's tail, anyhow?' And he went on tooling 'Mamma' through the soupy clouds.

It wasn't until we returned to the base tonight that we learned that Jerr(y) had got two of our planes. At least they got one; the other failed to return."

The article also refers to Lt JG Charles R. Jones (navigator), M. Cameron (first radioman) and W. Purdy (second radioman).


MishapsMISHAPs: 12 AUG 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Misson over London BUNO: 32271 Cause: Enemy fire [16SEP2013]

UPDATE "...This loss was of Lt Joseph P Kennedy Jr and Lt Wilford J Willy and they were on the project Aphrodite. O the 12th August 1944 Lt Joseph P Kennedy Jr USN pilot and Lt Wilford J Willy USN Co-Pilot took off in a converted PB4Y-1 Liberator BuNo 32271 (The drone versions were designated BQ-8) of VPB-110/SAU-1 (Special Attack Unit One) The drone PB4Y-1 Liberator was packed with 21.000 lb of Torpex and the Liberator took off from RAF Fersfield near Norwich. Their target was a massive underground military complex called the Fortress of Mimoyecques that had the V-3 Super Gun that had the potential to launch devastating attacks directly at London. Several minutes short of the planned bail out point the Liberator was blown apart with the loss of Lt Joseph P Kennedy Jr and Lt Wilford J Willy..." Contributed by David Sharland (Founder - NAF Dunkeswell, Devonshire, England Official WebSite) david@davidsharland.wanadoo.co.uk [16SEP2013]


MishapsMISHAPs: 24 OCT 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: Unknown BUNO: 32236 Cause: Navy 804;Operational mission. During take-off run and three-hundred yards from start at about ninety miles per hour indicated airspeed, the port tire blew out. Plane served fifteen degrees to port before pilot could correct it. Plane stayed on runway for about one-hundred-seventy-five yards, then ran off into grass, port wheel hit runway light and a one and half foot hole two feet square thirty five yards further at fifty miles per hour. Port gear was sheared off and plane skidded to a stop. "Strike" Crew Ok: Pilot Lt Arthur G. Noehren A-V(N) USNR, Ens B. L. Brougham A-V(N) USNR, Ens J. J. Egar A-V(N) USNR, Amm3c J. J. Lee USN, Amm3c J. Shekitka USNR, Rm2c H. Mack USNR, Rm3c A. R. Rosenburg USNR, Aom3c S, P. Gordon USNR, Aom3c N. W. England USNR, and Amm3c D. A. Fraser USNR. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [21OCT2001]


MishapsMISHAPs: 14 JAN 45 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: French Morocco Strike: Yes BUNO: Unknown Cause: Crash over French Morocco while enroute to the US on rehabilation leave for re-assignment.

UPDATE "..."Milo Junior Jones who died in the service of his country at Sea, Mediterranean Area while attached to Patrol Bombing Squadron 110 on 14 January 1945..." WebSite: EBay http://www.ebay.com [08JUN2011]

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MishapsMISHAPs: 04 MAR 45 A/C: PB4Y-1 PB4Y-1 Location: NAF Dunkeswell, Devonshire, England Strike: Yes BUNO: 38838 Cause: Training flight; Overshot landing, failed to apply brakes properly. Damage:Nose wheel torn away, under portion of bow torn away, fuselage buckled from stations #1 to #3 and forward part of station #4, wing root of starboard wing:DBR Crew Ok: Pilot Lt(jg) L. J. Papas USN, Lt(jg) R. C. Gardemal USNR, Ens W. A. Volpers USNR, AMM2c W. S. Kosowski USNR, AMM2c R. W. Likins USNR, ARM1c A. C. Keinati USNR, ARM2c M. L. O' Connell USNR, AOM2c J. D. Vece USNR, AMM2c F. T. Gossman USNR, and ARM3c L. G. Rider USNR. Contributed by Terry pb4y-2@sbcglobal.net [28NOV2001]


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