I think I’ve seen firearms mentioned in a memoir or two, and maybe even in the Operations Record Book for one of the Far East RAF Liberator squadrons. I just assumed firearms were issued to some, if not all, aircrew on Liberator squadrons, where the Japanese were seen as particularly unkind to those captured. Sidearms do show up in photos of aircrew, although not everyone in the crew seems to wear one. However, once aboard the Lib for an op, an airman may have added the belt and sidearm (and with other clip-on items on the belt, too), or kept it close at hand.

Here is a photo of the crew of BZ906 A for Algy, on 159 Sqn, prior to an op in late Nov or early Dec 1943, at Digri, W. Bengal, India. Note that W/O C.A. Morgan (1st Wireless Op) — standing on the far left — wears a sidearm.

Another image shows an aircrew (top row) at Digri in front of BZ840 E for Eagle prior to an op — also from 159 Sqn in late Nov or early Dec 1943. Although not a sharp image, there appears to be a sidearm on the left hip of the third man from the left in the top row — F/Sgt A. Forson (2nd Wireless Op). The officer standing 2nd from left — F/Lt F.E. Ashworth (Rear Gunner) — seems to have a holstered sidearm on his left abdomen, not hanging off of the hip. Others, not all, have belts sagging to their left, possibly weighted down by sidearms.

In front of 159 Sqn’s EV867 B for ‘BATTLIN’ B*TCH.’ in 1944 at Digri, F/Lt Johnny Watson, RCAF appears to have his left hand atop his sidearm.

One last photo — four men in front of 159 Sqn’s BZ983 A for Algy in 1944 at Digri. Two of the four are wearing heavy clip-on belts, with sidearms on the left hips.