Perhaps no B-24 illustrates both the output of the factories building Liberators in the US, and the number which flowed to the RAF via Lend-Lease, than the aircraft named "The Kentucky Colonel"
Consolidated set up a center in Louisville Kentucky to modify B-24 Liberators for RAF usage. On October 12, 1944, a ceremony was held to celebrate the 1000th B-24 which the center had modified for the RAF. The aircraft was given the name "Kentucky Colonel" and prominently marked with the number "1,000". In addition, it was signed by the workers at the facility.
The aircraft, which was USAAF serial number 44-44226 was given the RAF serial KH355 (and was marked with the center modification number 30-507) It was a B-24J-90-CF (built at the Consolidated Fort Worth plant).
The Air Britain Book "The Liberator in RAF and Commonwealth Service" provides details of KH355's movements to SEAC. It was delivered to Dorval (Canada) on October 23, 1944, and then ferried to India, arriving Mauripur on November 6, 1944. The record says the aircraft was originally sent to 1673 HCU, then converted to DDT spraying and sent to 1354 Flight, on March 18, 1945.
1354 Flight, KH355's final destination, was formed to spray DDT over mosquito infested areas in order to reduce the incidence of malaria. Although some may have considered this a "secondary" role, this flight made a large contribution to the health of individuals, both RAF and others, in the areas they sprayed.
The aircrew for these flights were usually "tour expired" from Bombing or General Reconnaissance (GR) Squadrons.
Two of the ground crew, Tom Wilkinson, and George Baker-Read, had originally served on 159 Squadron. George was an "instrument repairer", and Tom became "Senior Technical N.C.O." for 1354 Flight. Both have been kind enough to provide information and photos.
The christening of KH355 at Louisville --- a postcard sent post war by "Johnny" Poag, (former commander of 1354 Flight) to Tom Wilkinson.
A photo of the Kentucky Colonel and ground crew, supplied by Tom Wilkinson.
(George Baker-Read is second from the right)
A photo of the Kentucky Colonel in service with 1354 Flight, supplied by George Baker-Read
Here is the story as told by Tom Wilkinson:
"on its' return from what was its final flight, taxing under my control from ground, I noticed that the flexing of the port main undercarriage leg, under braking, appeared to be excessive. With a jack in position under the port wind, on examination showed that the forward "dummy" spar, carrying the bearing at the forward end of the drag strut, had broken free of the surrounding structure. The Engineer Officer of No 159 Squadron, on F/Lt. Jefferson-Loveday, confirmed the damage beyond the 'on-site' repair capabilities and unable to fly to a Repair Depot, - Category 5 – scarp!!"
Tom also mentioned that, at the rear of the flight deck was a citation, bestowing the "rank" on the aircraft and a facsimile bunch of keys – to the City of Louisville. After the aircraft was "written off" he went to retrieve both items, but they had already been taken.
There is mention of the citation in a letter published in Flypast Magazine, April, 1984. It states that the certificate was in the possession of Mr. Harold Lee, who served in Burma; upon his death it was passed on to his daughter.
Of the "Keys" – there has been no information on where they might now be.
February 21, 2008