World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
13 Oct 2021 12:43:39 PM

No. 86 Squadron was the first squadron to successfully deploy the American-made Mark 24 acoustic homing torpedo when on 12 May 1943 Liberator B caught U-456 on the surface and dropped one Mark 24 near the diving submarine. The torpedo homed in on the submarine’s noise signature and exploded against the hull. U-456 was badly damaged and when she had to dive deep later that same day to avoid a depth charge attack from destroyer HMS Opportune, the damage proved too great and the U-Boat sank with all 49 hands.
No. 86 Squadron was, at the time, flying from RAF Ballykelly in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. When Ballykelly’s airstrip was lengthened to accommodate the long-range bombers of Coastal Command, it acquired the unusual characteristic of crossing an active railway line. Passing trains were to have right-of-way over landing aircraft. What could possibly go wrong?

2. Peter Clare says:
5 Jan 2022 11:35:13 AM

Looking for photo of Liberator IIIA serial LV341 of 120 Squadron RAF Coastal Command. Lost 13 August 1942. Thank you