ADF Aircraft Serial Numbers
RAAF A72 Consolidated B-24D/J/L/M Liberator

RAAF.SerialUSAAF.SerialAircaft.Type.B24c/ndeliveredAircraft History
A72-141-11904B-24D-CO?15/02/44Named "PRIDE OF THE YANKS" and served with 90th BG, USAAF. Had 811 hours on the airframe when received by the RAAF. Served with 7 OTU and was partially destroyed in a hangar fire at Tocumwal on 2 Oct 44. Converted to components.
A72-241-23720B-24D-1-CO?15/02/44Named "TEAR ASS THE BULL". Had 871 hours on the airframe when received by the RAAF. Served with 7 OTU until being struck off charge. Stored at Tocumwal and later scrapped in December 52.
A72-341-24018B-24D-15-CO?15/02/44Named "MARGIE" and served with the 90th BG, USAAF. Had 584 hours on the airframe when received by the RAAF. Served with 7 OTU and became Instructional Airframe until being struck off charge. Stored at Tocumwal and later scrapped in Mar 48.
A72-442-40489B-24D-65-CO?15/02/44Named "MISS GIVING" and served with 528th BS of the 380th BG, USAAF. Flew 27 missions and had 596 hours on the airframe when received by the RAAF. Served with 7 OTU and was partially destroyed in a hangar fire at Tocumwal on 2 Oct 44. Converted to components.
A72-542-40512B-24D-65-CO?03/03/44Named "SHE 'ASTA" and served with 530th BS of the 380th BG, USAAF. Flew as many as 27 missions and claimed at least eight enemy aircraft destroyed, four on one mission alone after being attacked by about 12 fighters. Served with 7 OTU until being struck off charge. Stored at Tocumwal and later scrapped in Feb 49.
A72-642-40522B-24D-65-CO?15/02/44Named "DELIVERER" and served with the 531st BS, 380th BG, USAAF, flying more than 30 missions. Served with 7OTU and became Instructional Airframe No.2. Scrapped in August 45. Purchased by Charlie Ruthburg of Boisdale VIC and broken up for scrap. Some pieces have been salvaged and placed into storage for restoration at a later date.
A72-741-24070B-24D-15-CO?22/02/44Named MISS DEED. Served with 7 OTU. Became Instructional Airframe No.3; Scrapped 29 October 1945
A72-841-24290B-24D-25-CO?22/02/44Named HELL'S BELLE. Served with 7 OTU. Crashed Tocumwal 11/01/45.
A72-941-11868B-24D-CO?19/03/44Named CHANGE O' LUCK. Served with 7 OTU. Scrapped 8/09/45.
A72-1041-24127B-24D-20-CO?22/05/44Named RIO RITA? Served with 7 OTU. Scrapped 12/52
A72-1142-40514B-24D-65-CO?04/09/44Named LUCKY. Served with 7 OTU. Damaged in Emergency Landing at Bankstown. Scrapped Cooktown 11/45.
A72-1242-41132B-24D-135-CO?13/09/44Served with 7 OTU. Scrapped Biak 02/45 - another report returned to USAF 04/45.
A72-1342-100194B-24J-80-CO?29/07/44Served with 7 OTU. Scrapped Biak 02/45 - another report returned to USAF 04/45.
A72-3144-40251B-24J-155-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn, coded GR-A. Served with 7 OTU. Named KING COBRA. Served with 21 Sqn. Written off 12/45 as uneconomical to repair coded MJ-V. Converted to componants.
A72-3244-40252B-24J-155-CO?06/44Named KIM'S KITE. Served with 24 Sqn. GR-B. Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-3344-40410B-24J-160-CO?05/44Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-3444-40406B-24J-160-CO?05/44Served with 24 Sqn. GR-D. Served with 21 Sqn MJ-W. 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-3544-40408B-24J-160-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 7 OTU.Struck off 12/52.
A72-3644-40409B-24J-160-CO?06/44Served with 7 OTU. Experimental fan cooling CAC. Crashed on landing at Tocumwal 16/04/45.
A72-3744-40407B-24J-160-CO?05/44Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-3844-40411B-24J-160-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn GR-G. Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. 82 wg. Struck off 12/52.
A72-3944-40653B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn GR-J. Crashed Fenton 07/09/44. Stripped for spares.
A72-4044-40649B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn GR-K. Served with 7 OTU. Served with 1 AD. 1 AD Test & Ferry Sqn. Struck off 7/52.
A72-4144-40652B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-4244-40651B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn. GR-M. Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-4344-40654B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 24 Sqn. Struck off 12/52.
A72-4444-40650B-24J-175-CO?06/44Served with 24 Sqn GR-H. Served with 7 OTU. Struck off 12/52.
A72-4544-40870B-24J-185-CO?07/44Served with 7 OTU. Served with 12 Sqn. Struck off 1952.
A72-4644-40871B-24J-185-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-4744-40872B-24J-185-CO??Served with 24 Sqn GR-P. Served with 7 OTU
A72-4844-40873B-24J-185-CO??Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 7 OTU. Converted for POW recovery. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 82Wg
A72-4944-41194B-24J-200-CO??Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
A72-5044-41197B-24J-200-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-5144-41203B-24J-200-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-5244-41207B-24J-200-CO??Served with 21 Sqn
A72-5344-41204B-24J-200-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-5444-41196B-24J-200-CO??Named NORTHERN TERRIER. Served with 24 Sqn GR-K
A72-5544-41206B-24J-200-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
A72-5644-41193B-24J-200-CO??Served with 21 Sqn MJ-W
A72-5744-41205B-24J-200-CO??Named SAM SABASTION. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-5844-41195B-24J-200-CO??Named PENELOPE II. Served with 21 Sqn MJ-E
A72-5944-41389B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn MJ-D. Served with 7 OTU Damaged by enemy action 23 March 1945 and not repaired 24 Sqn. Derelict at Fenton until post war GR-G
A72-6044-41388B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. MJ-V
A72-6144-41375B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Shot down Balikpapan 1 July 1945. MJ-P. Killed was G/C McLean, F/L Roy, W/O Bardwell, Sgt Martin. Survivor was F/S AJ Stuart.
A72-6244-41249B-24J-205-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-6344-41374B-24J-210-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-6444-41384B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Shot down Balikpapan 3 July 1945. Taking off on what was supposed to be just another Army Co-operation sortie over Balikpapan ended disastrously when the aircraft failed to return from it's sortie. It was not until information was received from a Command Ship later that the aircraft was hit by light anti aircraft fire and crashed into enemy territory at approx 1245 hrs. No parachutes were seen from the aircraft and all were posted missing, believed killed. On the 1 August a reconnaissance party from the 33rd Battalion AIF, led by FLGOFF H.J. Maudsley and FLGOFF D.H. Cain recovered the remains of the crew. The aircraft had been found a several days before by a soldier escaping from a Japanese sniper and later reporting his find. Several land parties failed to locate the crash site until an Auster AOP over flew the site. Of the 14 personnel on board only three were positively identified they were FLTLT A.M. Andrews, FSGT D.G. Featherstone and FLTLT K.R. Harrison as a result of finding their identity discs and an engraved watch, although doubts persisted as to whether the remains are those of 13 or 14 persons. Crew; FLTLT R. McD. Beattie (Pilot), FLTLT A.M. Andrews (2nd Pilot), FLTLT D.W. Willett (W/AG), FLTLT H. Stroud (Nav/Bombardier), FLTLT T. Hockings (Nav/Bombardier), FSGT D.G. Featherstone (Air Gunner), FSGT L.R. Sapwell (Air Gunner), FSGT L.W. Devereux (Air Gunner), FSGT A.J. Hogg (W/AG), FSGT K. Patten (Air Gunner), CPL R.W.V. Robinson (Flight Engineer), FLTLT K.R. Harrison (Intel), Capt. H.W. Spry, WOFF2 F.B. Emanuel.
A72-6544-41385B-24J-210-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-6644-41373B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Failed to return 1 August 1945
A72-6744-41386B-24J-210-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Named ICHABOD III. Served with 24 Sqn. W/Cdr Russ Bell OC B Flight's aircraft GR-O.
A72-6844-41376B-24J-210-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. MJ-O
A72-6944-41391B-24L-1-CO??Served with 21 Sqn MJ-H
A72-7044-41392B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Shot down 24 January 1945 Cape Chater, Timor. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-7144-41393B-24L-1-CO??Served with 21 Sqn MJ-F
A72-7244-41394B-24L-1-CO??Served with 21 Sqn
A72-7344-41401B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-7444-41395B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-7544-41403B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-7644-41402B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 25 Sqn. 21Sqn
A72-7744-41404B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. Shot down over Sawoe Sea (Timor) on 06/04/45. A RAAF 112 Air Rescue Flight Catalina ( A24-54) from Darwin arrived to pick the survivors from A72-81 & A72-77 that was shot down in the same action. After A24-54 landed to pick up survivors it was staffed by fighters and caught fire. The crew as well as the Liberator survivors were force to abandon the aircraft. Crew; FLTLT Eric V. Ford 255138 (Pilot), WOFF C.G Vickers (2nd Pilot), FLTLT L.D. Crowther (Nav), FLTLT W. Laing (Bombadier), FLGOFF R.T. Jordon (W/AG), WOFF A.N. Collins (W/AG), FSGT K.J. White (Air Gunner), FSGT L. Raine (Air Gunner), FSGT J.M. Waddell (Air Gunner), FSGT L. Faichnie (Air Gunner), SGT W.W. Sayer (Flt Engineer)
A72-7844-41405B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24Sqn. GR-T
A72-7944-41444B-24L-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-8044-41450B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Named OLD NICK. Served with 24 Sqn. Received from USA 6-10-44, issued to 24 Sqdn 1-12-44, received at 24 Sqdn 5-12-44. Crashed into sea, Vansittart Bay 25(sic)-3-45[page from HISTORY (MOVEMENTS, CASUALTIES, etc)] The actual crash date was 23-3-45. From a copy of the Operations Log 23-3-45 - "At 0650 hours today, SQUADRON LEADER N.H. STRAUS, Captain and crew comprising FLIGHT LIEUTENANT C.D. PARRY-OKENDEN NAV B (Bombardier), FLYING OFFICER R.A. WHITING, NAV B, FLYING OFFICER J.W. HURSTHOUSE W.O. AIR, F/SGT BOYD, Pilot 2nd, W/O FLANAGAN, W.R., W.O. AIR, W/O PARKER, H.G., Air gunner, F/SGT RYAN,J.R. Air gunner, F/SGT ROGERS, A.J., Air gunner, SGT WHITEHEAD, A.D., ARM/A.G., F/SGT MORRIS, R.M., Flight Engineer and CPL MADDEN, D.W., passenger, took off in Liberator A72-80 from Truscott Strip, Western Australia, leading a formation of four aircraft on an armed shipping sweep. Shortly after take off, S/Ldr STRAUS called Truscott tower on V.H.F. indicating that he was preparing for an emergency landing. Owing to low altitude it was apparent that S/Ldr STRAUS could not locate the strip. For 23 minutes after take off the aircraft was airborne and during this time various messages from the aircraft were received by Truscott tower and V.H.F. homing and by the remainder of the aircraft in the formation. None of these messages informed the exact cause of the distress but all that was received was that the aircraft could not gain height. At 0713 hours a message was received that S/Ldr STRAUS was about to ditch in Vansittart Bay. Following this the crews of the remaining three aircraft saw A72-80 ditch with wings level but at a fairly high rate of descent. The aircraft caught fire on impact with the water and disintegrated. .." Only three bodies were recovered - F/Sgt Rogers on 23rd, S/Leader N.H Straus on 29-3-45, and F/Lt C.D. Parry-okenden on 31-3-45.
A72-8144-41454B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24Sqn. GR-T. Shot down over Sawoe Sea (Timor) on 06/04/1945. The sole survivor from A72-81 was W/O Keith Shilling who suffered burns but was able to bale out of the bomb-bay. A RAAF 112 Air Rescue Flight Catalina (A24-54) from Darwin arrived to pick the survivors from A72-81 & A72-77 that was shot down in the same action. After A24-54 landed to pick up survivors it was staffed by fighters and caught fire. The crew as well as the Liberator survivors were force to abandon the aircraft. By this time Shilling had been shot down & abandoned a blazing aircraft twice in the same day. Shilling was eventually rescued and survived the war. Crew of A72-81; FLGOFF S.L. McDonald (Pilot), PLTOFF K.A. Brown (2nd Pilot), FLGOFF P.A. Mouatt (Nav), FLGOFF A.G. Worley (Bombadier), WOFF K.R. Schilling (W/AG), FSGT L.K. Walnsley (Air Gunner), FSGT J.A. Thomas (Air Gunner), FSGT R.J. Banks (Air Gunner), FSGT T.E. Bowen (Air Gunner), FSGT A. Davis (Air Gunner), SGT W.J. Wignall (Flt Engineer)
A72-8244-41452B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
A72-8344-41455B-24L-5-CO??Never issued to a flying unit
A72-8444-41456B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Named COCK O'THE NORTH. Served with 24 Sqn GR-D. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-8544-41457B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 1 AD Test & Ferry Sqn
A72-8644-41458B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-8744-41459B-24L-5-CO??Served with 1 APU Turret trials
A72-8844-41460B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. Crashed 3 miles west of Fenton 3 February 1945. Returning to Fenton airstrip, N.T. late in the evening from an attack on Japanese shipping the Liberator, captained by FLTLT Cambridge, appeared to be unable to locate the airstrip lighted by flares along the side of the strip. "Weather conditions were hazy and visibility about one mile. On the downwind leg of the circuit the captain was unable to see the flarepath. On turning into the wind the flarepath was not visible above 700 feet. The aircraft was then well to the left of the strip and in communication with the flying control officer in the tower who advised the captain that he was west of the strip. The aircraft acknowledged the message and indicated that another circuit would be made. The undercarriage was then retracted on orders from the captain. Without warning the aircraft swung violently to port. FLTLT Cambridge endeavoured to correct this. He noticed then that the fuel pressure of numbers 1, 2 and 3 motors had dropped to zero and the fuel pressure in number 4 motor was fluctuating. Power was increased on number 4 motor in an endeavour to maintain height. It was impossible to keep the aircraft straight and it was losing height rapidly. It was then about 200 feet. The captain switched to intercommunication and warned the crew that a crash landing was imminent. The wheels were still fully retracted and 20 degrees flaps were down. Headlights were switched on. The aircraft crashed through trees and landed on an even keel. The trees helped to retard speed and the final impact was not very severe. Fire broke out in the nose and under the flight deck, presumably caused by the auxiliary power units smashing on impact. Sgt Francis had his foot jam(m)ed in the waist (gunner's area). He was freed eventually by FLGOFF Coward and PLTOFF Rhodes. The aircraft was well ablaze now. PLTOFF Rhodes carried out SGT Jennings, dangerously injured, to safety. FLTLT Scanlon, also dangerously injured, had managed to throw himself out of the aircraft and was carried to safety by FLTLT Cambridge and WOFF Crawford. FLGOFF Coward was slightly injured. FLTLT Parkinson and FLGOFF Pitt were missing from the muster. These officers were stationed under the flight deck and it was evident that they were killed. Subsequently their remains were recovered. The balance of the crew were not injured except for minor lacerations, bruises and abrasions. The crash took place at about 2355 hours. Half to three quarters of an hour later a Tiger Moth from 21SQN helped guide ground parties to the scene of the smash, some two miles from the strip through roadless, timbered boggy country." The very next day saw the Squadron bury the two crew members at the Adelaide River Cemetery. Airrcraft Crew: FLTLT A.A. Cambridge (Pilot), WOFF F. Crawford 425611 (2nd Pilot), FLGOFF I.F. Coward 416415 (Nav), FLTLT J.R. Parkinson 411371 (Bombadier), PLTOFF G.W. Rhodes 413255 (WAG1), PLTOFF S.N. Johnson 416767 (WAG2), FLTLT V. Scanlon 416131 (Air Gunner), FLGOFF J. McP. Pitt 401830 (Air Gunner), SGT E.W. Jennings 443957 (Air Gunner), SGT E.L. Francis 442341 (Air Gunner), SGT A.G. Cullen 19835 (Flight Engineer).
A72-8944-41575B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 25 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn.
A72-9044-41579B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
A72-9144-41580B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 21Sqn
A72-9244-41581B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 25 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Failed to return from search mission 28 July 1945. Served with 21 Sqn MJ-D
A72-9344-41582B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-9444-41583B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 3 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
A72-9544-41604B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-9644-41653B-24L-15-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
A72-9744-41608B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-9844-41639B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn. Named BLONDIE MAC. Served with 21Sqn
A72-9944-41640B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. 82 wg
A72-10044-41609B-24L-10-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-10144-41654B-24L-15-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. Serious in-flight fire in engine #4, November 1945 MJ-J
A72-10244-41611B-24L-10-CO??Served with 23 Sqn NV-S. Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-10344-41577B-24L-10-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 82Wg
A72-10444-41612B-24L-10-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-10544-41617B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-10644-41605B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-10744-41607B-24L-10-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-10844-41618B-24L-10-CO??Served with 21 Sqn
A72-10944-41630B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11044-41656B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11144-41663B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11244-41664B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Crashed Tocumwal 14 April 1945
A72-11344-41629B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU East Sale
A72-11444-41633B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11544-41632B-24L-10-CO??Never issued to a flying unit but known to have operated with CCU/7 OTU East Sale
A72-11644-41631B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11744-41634B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11844-41635B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-11944-41636B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-12044-41642B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-12144-41666B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-12244-41637B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. To Instructional Airframe No.6
A72-12344-41638B-24L-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Crashed Tocumwal 20 January 1945
A72-12444-41657B-24L-15-CO??Served with 25 Sqn. Crashed and burnt on take off Cunderdin 14 February 1945
A72-12544-41505B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU CCU/7 OTU East Sale
A72-12644-41499B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-12744-41502B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-12844-41503B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU. By 3/45 damaged in landing accident. Finally written off 11 October 1945
A72-12944-41504B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13044-41506B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13144-41508B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13244-41507B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13344-41509B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-B. Landed on reef Soemba Is returning from operations 27 April and destroyed by own aircraft 16 May 1945
A72-13444-41510B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn. Nose wheel collapsed taxying at Cunderdin 6 March 1945. Written off 9 April 1946
A72-13544-41511B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13644-41512B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-13744-41513B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-K. Badly damaged Darwin 28 November 1945 and written off.
A72-13844-41514B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU CCU/7 OTU East Sale
A72-13944-41658B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-14044-41665B-24L-15-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-J
A72-14144-41677B-24L-15-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 82Wg. Served with 21 Sqn.
A72-14244-41682B-24L-15-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-14344-41828B-24M-1-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn.
A72-14444-41831B-24M-1-CO??Named NIPPON'S NIGHTMARE. Served with 25 Sqn SJ-A. Served with 25 Sqn, CO's aircraft (W/C John Hampshire) Later named NIGHTMARE.
A72-14544-41834B-24M-1-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn.
A72-14644-41836B-24M-1-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-14744-41885B-24M-5-CO??Named THERESA ANNE. Served with 25 Sqn SJ-H.
A72-14844-41886B-24M-5-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 21Sqn.
A72-14944-41515B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-N
A72-15044-41516B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-L
A72-15144-41517B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-M
A72-15244-41518B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-F
A72-15344-41530B-24L-5-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 21Sqn
A72-15444-41531B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-E
A72-15544-41532B-24L-5-CO??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 7OTU
A72-15644-41533B-24L-5-CO??Served with 25 Sqn SJ-D
A72-15744-41529B-24L-5-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-15844-41971B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24Sqn
A72-15944-41972B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt. Failed to return from operations 19 May 1945
A72-16044-41949B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Taking off at night from Truscott airstrip the aircraft became airborne approximately halfway down the strip. It is believed the aircraft became airborne early due to a noticeable hump in the airstrip causing the aircraft to suddenly climb approx. 20ft. According to the witnesses who were part of a working party directly in front of the aircraft when it became airborne, the aircraft apparently veered left moving rather slowly, gaining little speed or height. The aircraft then rose to about 40ft and then fell sharply to the ground a short distance away from it's initial point of take off. With fire crews quickly making their way to the scene any hope of finding survivors was lost when a number depth charges the aircraft was carrying exploded. 20 May 1945. Crew; FLTLT F.L. Sismey 402764 (Pilot), FLGOFF W.S. Bell, WOFF T.N. Rust, WOFF B.L. Cox, FSGT L. Duncanson, FSGT L.M. Bailey, FSGT I.N.L. Eadton, FSGT T.W. Allan, FSGT D.D. Benson, FSGT J.A. Hollis, FSGT J.R.W. Herps.
A72-16144-41950B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 21 Sqn
A72-16244-41951B-24M-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU
A72-16344-41952B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24Sqn
A72-16444-41953B-24M-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU East Sale
A72-16544-41954B-24M-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU Tocumwal 12/44 to 02/45. Served with 25 Sqn 02/45, coded SJ-Z.
A72-16644-41955B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn GR-X
A72-16744-41957B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 23Sqn. Served with 24Sqn
A72-16844-41958B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 24Sqn
A72-16944-41959B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt. Served with 12Sqn
A72-17044-41960B-24M-10-CO??Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 82Wg. Served with 24Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-17144-41961B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 21 Sqn.
A72-17244-41962B-24M-10-CO??CAS VIP a/c - 1 AD T&F Sqn Mod to transport for use of CAS & GOC BCOF1 Comm Unit82 Wing VIP Flight (21 Sqn). #2 engine caught fire in the air 20 August 1948 seriously damaging the mainplane; written off.
A72-17344-41963B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
A72-17444-41964B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt
A72-17544-41965B-24M-10-CO??Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
A72-17644-41956B-24M-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU East Sale. G/Capt Kingwell's aircraft. Last flown Mascot-East Sale 22 March 1946 by F/O Ed Crabtree. Became Instructional Airframe No.5.Fuselage extant today as basis for static restoration programme. Quoted disposal date ex-East Sale 23 March 1948. Under Restoration Werribee VIC. Parts of B-24D USAF 42-41091 was receovered from PNG and used as part of this restoration project.
  • Images of A72-176.
    • A72-17744-41966B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt. Crashed on operations 25 May 1945.
    A72-17844-41967B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 25 Sqn
    A72-17944-41969B-24M-10-CO??Served with 24 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
    A72-18044-41970B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt. Served with 7 OTU. Served with 200 Flt.
    A72-18144-41973B-24M-10-CO??Served with 21 Sqn. 82 wg. Served with 21 Sqn.
    A72-18244-41974B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt. Served with 7 OTU
    A72-18344-41975B-24M-10-CO??Named MEDDLESOME MAGGIE. Served with 200 Flt NX-R
    A72-18444-41976B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Converted to components due unknown damage 9/45, 24 Sqn
    A72-18544-41977B-24M-10-CO??Served with 7 OTU. Mod to transport. Allotted for special duty GOC Land Forces from Hollandia 8 March 1945. Returned by 20 April 1945. Refitted with operational equipment 4 June 1945. 200 Flt
    A72-18644-41978B-24M-10-CO??Served with 201 Flt, LV-A. Detached as prototype for fitment of RCM Ferret equipment.1 APU Stored Cat C before conversion took place. Removed to Essendon by DCA for Fire Training 13 December 1951.
    A72-18744-41979B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 200 Flt
    A72-18844-41980B-24M-10-CO??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
    A72-18944-41982B-24M-10-CO??Served with 1 Comm UnitMod to transport for use of CGS (General Blamey). 82 wg VIP Flt (21 Sqn), Probably not flown after 9/48.
    A72-19044-41983B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 25 Sqn, SJ-Y
    A72-19144-41984B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt, Missing in air operations 27 March 1945
    A72-19244-41987B-24M-10-CO??Served with 200 Flt, Served with 7 OTU, back to 200 Flt
    A72-19344-41988B-24M-10-CO??Served with 1 AD T&F Squadron. Mod to transport as VIP aircraft for General Northcott1 Comm UnitVIP for use CAS and GOC BCOF82 Wg VIP Flt (21 Sqn)In Hampshire log 6 June 1948. Last airworthy RAAF B-24. Last flight 21 Jan 1949, Laverton-Amberley (4.25 hrs), pilots Trewin and Crawford.
    A72-19444-41989B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn UX-R. 24Sqn
    A72-19544-41990B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 200 Flt
    A72-19644-41991B-24M-10-CO??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn. Shot down in flames over Balikpapan 5/06/45.
    A72-19744-41992B-24M-10-CO??Served with 201 Flt LV-B. Detached for prototype installation of RCM Ferret1 APU equipment. Stored Cat C Pt Cook before conversion took place.Removed to Essendon by DCA for Fire Training 13 December 1951
    A72-19844-41993B-24M-10-CO??Served with 1 APU. Allotted for prototype use in trials SCR.717-C AN/A PQ SB Radar.
    A72-30044-28063B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn
    A72-30144-28064B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn
    A72-30244-28065B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn Nose gear collapsed taxying Jondaryan 25 May 1945; never operational again.
    A72-30344-28066B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
    A72-30444-28067B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn
    A72-30544-28069B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn
    A72-30644-28087B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Crashed on take off Amberley 16 August 1945. UX-J. During the taking off run from Amberley the aircraft's brakes were applied before the aircraft was safely in the air. This caused the nose of the aircraft to strike heavily against the runway collapsing the nose wheel assembly and shearing hydraulic lines for the engine controls which then caused the aircraft to skid off the end of the runway and into a small ravine killing four of the crew on board. Crew; SQNLDR W.L. Milne 610 (Pilot).
    A72-30744-28097B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn UX-K. Served with 21 Sqn
    A72-30844-28099B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn
    A72-30944-28101B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn 21 Sqn
    A72-31044-28104B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-31144-28139B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn UX-O
    A72-31244-28086B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn GR-L
    A72-31344-28125B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Crashed near Amberley 14 September 1945. FLGOFF Pullin was being checked out in the B-24 by his Flight Commander, FLTLT Hendy, when it appeared on take off to have a runaway propeller. From the ground it appeared to everyone else that the problem was rectified satisfactorily and after completing a circuit of the airfield the pilot advised that he would be returning to land but kept losing height until the aircraft dived into the ground about 8 kms from the airfield, bursting into flames killing all on board. Crew; FLTLT G.A. Hendy 401441 (Pilot), FLGOFF R.F. Pullin (2nd Pilot), FSGT V.J. Quinn (Nav), SGT Dureau (W/T Op), FLGOFF J.H. Mutton.
    A72-31444-28127B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Damaged by enemy action north of Timor 30 July 1945
    A72-31544-28256B-24J-5-NT??Served with 1 APU. Removed to Essendon by DCA for Fire Training 13 December 1951
    A72-31644-28079B-24J-5-NT??Named CASA'S CLUELESS CREW.Served with 21 SQN
    A72-31744-28122B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Destroyed by fire after take-off Darwin 23 September 1945.
    A72-31844-28070B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn 99 Sqn
    A72-31944-28082B-24J-5-NT??Named ALYSIUS. Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32044-28132B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Not named, but carried a Varga-style girl on the starboard nose
    A72-32144-28089B-24J-5-NT??Named RELUCTANT VIRGIN. Served with 12 Sqn. Carried artwork on starboard side but name never applied
    A72-32244-28076B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32344-28103B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32444-28138B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32544-28107B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32644-28118B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Held for Air Sea Rescue duties
    A72-32744-28123B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. Fuselage only collected for Fire Training by DCA 14 March 1951
    A72-32844-28092B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-32944-28100B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-33044-28114B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-33144-28068B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-33244-28131B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. UX-A. Served with 23 Sqn
    A72-33344-28098B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn
    A72-33444-28091B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-33544-28081B-24J-5-NT??Named THE WITCH. Served with 102 Sqn BV-A
    A72-33644-28108B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-33744-28078B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-33844-28095B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-33944-28124B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-34044-28096B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn BV-G
    A72-34144-28113B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-34244-28137B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-34344-28080B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn. Stored 3AD Amberley for 12 Sqn post war
    A72-34444-28106B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-34544-28084B-24J-5-NT??Served with 102 Sqn
    A72-34644-28126B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-34744-28109B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-34844-28072B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. Crashed into the sea south of Zamboanga 09/04/46. Ditched into Celebes Sea whilst on Manila to Darwin flight when power was lost in No.s 1 and 2 engines. The survivors were rescued by HMS Opossum. Crew; WGCDR J. Handbury (Pilot), FLTLT P. Mathews (Nav), WOFF F. Welsh (Co-Pilot), WOFF C. McKenzie (W/T), WOFF W. Nesbitt (Radar Op), WOFF R. Smith (FLT Engineer), FSGT D. Norton (FLT Engineer), CPL E. Pye (Fitter), CAPT J. McFadden (USN passenger), LT J. Potten (USN passenger).
    A72-34944-28077B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn
    A72-35044-28090B-24J-5-NT??Served with 201 Flt LV-C(?)
    A72-35144-28074B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn
    A72-35244-28135B-24J-5-NT??Served with 25 Sqn
    A72-35344-28133B-24J-5-NT??Served with 25 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-35444-28083B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 82Wg
    A72-35544-28085B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-35644-28130B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. Served with 24 Sqn
    A72-35744-28129B-24J-5-NT??Served with 201 Flt LV-D. Served with 12 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-35844-28093B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn. Served with 21 Sqn. Held in store 3AD Amberley for 82 Wg
    A72-35944-28111B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. Crashed on takeoff from Darwin on 02/11/45, caught fire and was later converted to components. The aircraft was flying from Morotai to Melbourne with nurses from 2/5 Aust General Hosp on rec leave. There were 35 people on board who all survived. After this crash a court of inquiry found the Liberators should only carry a max of 31 people.
    A72-36044-28128B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn
    A72-36144-28134B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-36244-28073B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-36344-28149B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn
    A72-36444-28168B-24J-5-NT??Served with 99 Sqn UX-J
    A72-36544-28156B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn Issued 3AD storage for 82 Wg
    A72-36642-78787B-24J-1-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-36744-28088B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-36844-28094B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-36944-28136B-24J-5-NT??Served with 21 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-37044-28144B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-37144-28164B-24J-5-NT??Allotted 21 Sqn but may never have been issued.
    A72-37244-28140B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn. 82 wg
    A72-37344-28148B-24J-5-NT??Served with 200 Flt
    A72-37444-28071B-24J-5-NT??Served with 21 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-37544-28102B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-37644-28121B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-37744-28174B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-37844-28171B-24J-5-NT??On 09/04/46 Ditched into Celebes Sea whilst on Manila to Darwin flight when power was lost in No's 1 and 2 engines. The survivors were rescued by HMS Opossum. Crew; WGCDR J. Handbury (Pilot), FLTLT P. Mathews (Nav, killed), WOFF F. Welsh (Co-Pilot), WOFF C. McKenzie (W/T), WOFF W. Nesbitt (Radar Op), WOFF R. Smith (Flight Engineer), FSGT D. Norton (Flight Engineer), CPL E. Pye (Fitter), CAPT J. McFadden (USN passenger), LT J. Potten (USN passenger, killed).
    A72-37944-28143B-24J-5-NT??Served with 7 OTU. Stored Category B CMU Toc for 82 Wg
    A72-38044-28145B-24J-5-NT??Served with 7 OTU
    A72-38144-28151B-24J-5-NT??Served with CFS, Initially stored then held at CFS for Bush Fire Control. Converted to Instructional Airframe No.7 and issued to Radio School Ballarat.Last Liberator on RAAF strength.
    A72-38244-28183B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-38344-28142B-24J-5-NT??Initially stored CFS. Removed from Point Cook to Essendon by DCA 13 December 1951
    A72-38444-28162B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-38544-28179B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn NV-N
    A72-38644-28155B-24J-5-NT??Served with CCU (HB) East Sale
    A72-38744-28062B-24J-5-NT??Served with 7 OTU
    A72-38844-28169B-24J-5-NT??Served with 23 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-38944-28167B-24J-5-NT??Served with 21 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-39044-28166B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39144-28146B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39244-28178B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39344-28075B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39444-28159B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit. Selected for VIP conversion but cancelled
    A72-39544-28180B-24J-4-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39644-28172B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39744-28175B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn 82 Wg
    A72-39844-28158B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-39944-28150B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-40044-28147B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-40144-28153B-24J-5-NT??Served with 12 Sqn 82 Wg NH-L
    A72-40244-28160B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-40344-28161B-24J-5-NT??Never issued to a flying unit
    A72-40442-78726B-24J-1-NT??Never issued to a flying unit.Issued free to the University of Adelaide 8 November 1948.To DAP 3 December 1952
    A72-40542-78727B-24J-1-NT??Named TULSA JOE. Never isssued to a flying unit. Issued free to the University of Adelaide.To DAP 3 December 1952. AL570 LB-30 BELLE 36 Sqn VH-CBL
    44-2810544-28105B-24J-5-NT??Lost during ferry to Brisbane, it occurred on the first leg of the ferry flight Long Beach CA to Hickam, Hawaii on 20/05/45.
    44-2815744-28157B-24J-5-NT??Lost after a fire in the number 3 engine at Long Beach CA prior to DEL to RAAF. 21/08/45 reclamation action complete at Long Beach.

    The Author of this page is Col Tigwell.

    Source: Bob Livingston, Flypast Magazine, Flightpath Magazine, Tocumwal to Tarakan.

    Photograph: Martin Edwards.

    Emails: Joe Baugher, Warwick Henry, Greg Hyde, Bob Livingston, Dean Norman, John Howard, David Hursthouse, Col Tigwell, Jason Stagg, Gordon Birkett.



    "The ADF-Serials team give permission to use the content of this page, excluding images, providing that it contains an acknowledgement to the adf-serials team and any other listed sources."

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