World War 2 In Review: Air Power Album: Consolidated PBY Catalina in Foreign Service

Catalina Mark I, Z2147 AX-L, of No. 202 Squadron RAF based at Gibraltar, in flight approaching Europa Point on returning from an anti-submarine patrol. While serving with the Squadron, Z2147 was credited with nine successful attacks on enemy submarines. The aircraft wears the standard Temperate Sea scheme of Extra Dark Sea Gray and Dark Slate Gray over Sky. Imperial War Museum CM6524.

Catalina JK286.

Catalina, RCAF.

A beautiful in-flight shot of a Royal Canadian Air Force Canso in flight in January 1942 in the Temperate Sea Scheme.

Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron Leader Leonard Joseph Birchall, the “Saviour of Ceylon”. On 4 April, 413 Squadron leader Leonard Birchall took off in Catalina QL-A on a reconnaissance patrol of the sea south of Ceylon. At about 4pm, after 10 hours in the air, Birchall sighted a smudge on the southern horizon. Investigating from a height of 2000 feet, he saw the Japanese fleet formation including carriers, battleships, escorts and supply ships. Turning north under full power, it was already too late for the Catalina and its crew. The Catalina’s radio operator managed to get off a sighting report. But before he could finish his regulation two repeats, cannon shells from Japanese fighters began to rip through the air-frame – demolishing the radio. The fight lasted just seven minutes. Some 350 miles from land, with dusk settling in, Birchall was forced to put his Catalina down in the ocean. The single transmission was, fortunately, enough. It was received – though somewhat garbled – and rapidly shared among Ceylon’s defenders. Birchall and five other survivors were taken aboard the Japanese destroyer Isokaze where they were beaten and interrogated and ultimately sent to a prison camp for the duration of the war, surviving it.

Consolidated PB2B-2 [Boeing Canada Catalina Mk. VI] JX637, with tall tail fin. This aircraft went to the RAAF (Serial No. A24-376).

VP-94 transfers their PBY-5As to the Brazilian Navy in this ceremony held at Rio de Janeiro in October 1944. The aircraft in the background shows evidence of the US national insignia painted out under the wing.

Catalina, No. 333 Squadron, Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNAF), Woodhaven, United Kingdom.

PBN Nomad in Soviet service.

PBY-6A Catalina in Soviet service.

PBY Catalina in Soviet service.

PBN Nomad in Soviet service.

PBY Catalina in Soviet service.

PBN Nomads in Soviet service.

PBY Catalinas in Soviet service.

Consolidated Model 28-1 C-1 for USSR, 7 November 1937.

Consolidated Model 28-2 C-1 for USSR Moscow circa 1940.

Consolidated Model 28 license-built GST Black Sea VVS.

Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Russian navy 1945.

Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1 Russian navy August 1945.

Consolidated Model 28-4 s/n P9630 San Diego June 1939.

Consolidated 28-5ME Catalina I s/n Z2136 26 May 1941.

Consolidated 28-5ME Catalina I s/n W8406 209 Squadron January 1941.

Consolidated PBY-5 s/n JX247 24 May 1943.

Consolidated 28-5AMC Canso RCAF s/n 9750 3 January 1942.

Consolidated 28-5MC Canso RCAF s/n 9706.

Consolidated PB2B-1 [Boeing Canada Catalina Mk. IVb] JX286 March 1944.

Consolidated PB2B-2 [Boeing Canada Catalina Mk. VI] JX637.

Catalina Mark II AM269 BN-K of No 240 Squadron RAF based at Stranraer, Ayrshire, moored on Loch Ryan. Imperial War Museum CH2448.

Catalina Mark IIIA FP529 taxiing at Prestwick, Ayrshire, after a transatlantic ferry flight. This aircraft served with Nos. 119 and 330 Squadrons RAF, and also with No. 131 Operational Training Unit. IWM CH5948.

Consolidated PBY-5B FP111. National Archives 80-G-65171.

Consolidated PBY-5B FP230.

Catalina Mark II AM269 BN-K of No 240 Squadron RAF based at Stranraer, Ayrshire, moored on Loch Ryan. Imperial War Museum CH2447.

Catalina Mark I W8406 of No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit based at Stranraer, Ayrshire, on a training flight over the Irish Sea. It was shortly afterwards transferred to No. 210 Squadron RAF operating from Oban. Imperial War Museum CH2455.

RNZAF No. 6 F.B. Squadron PBY-5 NZ4017 XX-T.

RNZAF No. 6 F.B. Squadron PBY-5 NZ4017 XX-T on a flight from Segond Channel in October 1943.

RNZAF No. 6 F.B. Squadron PBY-5 Catalinas XX-J and XX-S in front of the Halavo Bay control tower, Solomon Islands, 1943.

Members of RNZAF No. 6 F.B. Squadron at Lauthala Bay, Fiji, shortly after the Squadrons establishment in May 1943.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina Captain Flying Officer Noel Hagulund with other crew members and Stewart Islander, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF Boeing Canada-built PB2B-1 Catalina BuNo 73000 GF-C NZ4025 of No 3 Operational Training Unit operating from Lauthala Bay, Fiji. Delivered 4 April 1944. Broken up at Hobsonville in 1952.

Men beside PB2B-1 NZ4025 GF-C No. 3 OTU Lauthala Bay Fiji September 1945. R to L - Curly Richards, George Connor, Derrick Read, Russell Pollard, Bruce Pollard ( twins), and Colin Looser (Instructor).

RNZAF PB2B-1 NZ4025 Catalina GF-C No. 3 O.T.U. delivered 4 April 1944.

New Zealand Governor General Sir Cyril Newell inspects No. 6 Squadron members at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands in front of PBY-5 Catalina NZ4007 XX-F 12 June 1945.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina XX-D on the beach at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945.

Watching 'Greasy Pole' from the beach at Halavo Bay. RNZAF PBY-5 XX-D in background. Halavo Seaplane Base was built in December of 1942 and was a maintenance base for PBY's in the Solomon Islands. Some of the US Navy Squadrons that were based at Halavo were VP-12, VP-14, VP-24, VP-44, VP-54, VP-71, VP-74 and VP-91. RNZAF No. 6 Squadron conducted its first patrol from Halavo on Christmas Day 1943.

Mike Tiller winning the 100 yards sprint during the VJ Sports Day athletics competition at Halavo Bay between No. 6 Squadron members and visitors from Guadalcanal. PBY-5s and workshops in the background.

Wing Commander Ken Smith and crew of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron on PBY-5 Catalina XX-T NZ4017 at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalinas at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands. By war artist R. Maurice Conly.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina XX-K NZ 4009 on the hard at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands. By war artist R. Maurice Conly.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY-5 Catalina XX-F NZ4007 at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands. Delivered Fiji 21 May 1943. Declared surplus in 1951, broken up Hobsonville, 1952.

RNZAF Flying Boat base at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands viewed from the wing of PBY-5 Catalina XX-T NZ 4017. XX-F NZ 4007 is in the background. Halavo Bay Seaplane Base was built in December 1942 and was a maintenance base for PBY's in the Solomon Islands. Some of the US Navy Squadrons that were based at Halavo were VP-12, VP-14, VP-24, VP-44, VP-54, VP-71, VP-74 and VP-91. RNZAF No. 6 Squadron conducted its first patrol from Halavo on Christmas Day 1943.

Members of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron Beach Crew with PBY-5 Catalina XX-D at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

Flying Officer Whillans and his crew beside PBY-5 Catalina XX-H at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945.

Group of No. 6 Squadron members in front of PBY-5 Catalina at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945.

Members of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron Equipment and Transport Group with PBY-5 Catalina XX-A NZ4001 BuNo 08280. PBY-5 XX-E is in the background.

Flight Lieutenant Arthur Manz and crew under the wing of a PBY-5 at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945. Manz is standing third from right.

PBY-5 Catalina XX-N "Naughty Nine" NZ4012, Guy Rogers and crew at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945. PBY-5 BuNo 08450 arrived Fiji 20 June 1943. Broken up New Zealand 1952.

RNZAF No. 6 Flying Boat Squadron crew on PBY-5 Catalina XX-F at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945.

Flight Lieutenant Scholes and his crew with PBY-5 XX-W "The Wandering Witch" at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands. Scholes is third from right.

Flight Lieutenant Arthur Manz and crew with PBY-5 XX-R at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 25 May 1945. Manz is fouth from right.

RNZAF Flying Officer Dave Regan and crew with PBY-5 XX-T at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron crew on PBY-5 Catalina XX-R at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1945.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY-5 Catalina BuNo 08467 XX-T NZ4017. Note the five Dumbo symbols painted in the fuselage forward of the cockpit. Delivered Fiji 13 July 1943. Declared surplus to requirements 1951 and broken up 1952.

RNZAF PB2B-1 Catalina NZ4034 and crew probably at Shelly Bay, Wellington. New Zealand. NZ4034 was declared surplus in 1954 and sold for scrap.

RNZAF PB2B-1 Catalina NZ4034 taking off from Evans Bay, Wellington, New Zealand. NZ4034 was declared surplus in 1954 and sold for scrap.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY Catalina crew at Halavo, Solomon Islands, 19 June 1945.

RNZAF PB2B-1 Catalina NZ4035, 15 September 1944. Delivered Fiji 15 June 1944. Code PA-G. When Tasman Empire Airways was expanding post-war NZ4035 was acquired as a crew training aircraft in late 1947 as ZK-AMI.

RNZAF Halavo Bay.

Flying Officer Fred Whillans and crew with RNZAF PB2B-1 Catalina.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron crew with PBY-5.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron aircrew beside PBY-5 Catalina NZ4010 XX-L.

RNZAF Pacific Ferry Flight, March 1944, standing next to a U.S. Navy PBY Catalina. Members of the flight would fly to San Diego to take delivery of new PBYs and fly them to Fiji.

Flight Lt. John Porteous and crew of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron (Flying Boat) Squadron on PBY-5 Catalina at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY Catalina crew on aircraft at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron members on PBY Catalina with Solomon Islanders.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY Catalina at Halavo Bay.

RNZAF PBY Catalinas on 'the hard' Halavo Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands.

Dumbo mission markings on RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina XX-U at Halavo Bay Solomon Islands. A USN PBY and RNZAF PBY-5 XX-T are in the background.

RNZAF PBY Catalina Captain Jennins and crew.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY Catalina Captain F/Sgt. Hutchins and crew at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands.

RNZAF PBY-5 Catalina XX-T s/n NZ4017.

Members of RNZAF No. 6 Flying Boat Squadron at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944.

RNZAF Christmas & New Year Greetings card from 1944 with photo of a Catalina PBY Flying Boat of No. 6 Squadron.

New Zealand Governor General Sir Cyril Newall meets members of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron in the blister of a PBY-5 Catalina at Halavo Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands. 12 June 1945.

New Zealand Governor General Sir Cyril Newall meets members of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron working on the tail of PB2B-1 Catalina KN-L s/n NZ 4055 at Halavo Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands. 12 June 1945.

New Zealand Governor General Sir Cyril Newall meets members of RNZAF No. 6 Squadron beside PBY-5 Catalina XX-F s/n NZ 4007 at Halavo Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands. 12 June 1945.

Beaching crew bring a RNZAF PBY-5 onto the hard at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944-45.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron postman, Pete Meikle, right, at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944-45.

Mac McCullough painting Dumbo mission marking indicating a successful search and rescue mission on RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY-5 at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944-45.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY-5 undergoes engine overhaul at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944-45.

RNZAF No. 6 Squadron PBY-5 XX-W "The Wandering Witch" undergoes engine overhaul at Halavo Bay, Solomon Islands, 1944-45.

The Catalina Mk. I of No. 209 Squadron RAF used to locate the Bismarck on May 26, 1941 was this aircraft, AH545 WQ-Z. The US Navy co-pilot from the sortie subsequently wrote a report for his superiors in which he specifically referred to this aircraft’s serial number.

For many years, it was thought Catalina Mk. I W8406 WQ-Z was the "Bismarck Catalina", but that has now been disproved. The Catalina did fly with No. 209 Squadron, but earlier in 1941.

The home base for No. 209 Squadron and its Catalinas was RAF Castle Archdale near Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. At the time of the Bismarck sinking, the base went under the name RAF Lough Erne. This image dates from later in the war but shows the facilities and slipway, along with Catalinas and Sunderlands. Imperial War Museum CH14837.

Consolidated Catalinas were a major asset for the RAF’s Coastal Command, equipping a variety of units involved in the Battle of the Atlantic. This No. 202 Squadron aircraft was photographed over the Rock of Gibraltar. Imperial War Museum CM6238.

The crew of Consolidated Catalina Mark IV 'X' of No. 210 Squadron RAF, who made the last attack of the war on a German submarine, stand by their aircraft at Sullom Voe, Shetland. In the early hours of 7 May 1945 they depth-charged the type VIIC/41 submarine, U-320, west of Bergen, Norway. The U-boat was badly damaged and, despite an attempt at repairs by the crew, sank off the Norwegian coast on 9 May. The Catalina's crew are: front row (left to right); Flying Officer C. Humphrey (navigator), Flying Officer F. Weston (3rd pilot), Flight Lieutenant K. Murray (captain), Flight Lieutenant W.C. Robertson (2nd pilot), Flight-Sergeant D. Fowler (1st wireless operator/air gunner): back row (left to right); Flight-Sergeant G. Swift (air gunner), Flight-Sergeant P.G.A. Alway (Flight mechanic), Flight-Sergeant L.W. Rose (wireless operator/mechanic) and Flight-Sergeant I.W. Evans (2nd wireless operator/air gunner). Imperial War Museum C5355.

A Consolidated Catalina Mark I of No. 205 Squadron RAF, being launched from the slipway at Seletar, Singapore, by local Malayan handlers. Imperial War Museum K1113.

Consolidated Catalina Mark I AH562 AX- of No. 202 Squadron RAF, anchored at Gibraltar after an anti-submarine patrol. Imperial War Museum CM2307.

Two Consolidated Catalina Mark Is (W8406 nearest), of No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit based at Stranraer, Ayrshire, moored on Loch Ryan. Imperial War Museum CH2446.

A Consolidated Catalina Mark I of No. 205 Squadron RAF taxies past another aircraft of the Squadron moored in the Strait of Johore off Seletar, Singapore. Imperial War Museum K1117.

Two Consolidated Catalina Mark Is of No. 205 Squadron RAF based at Seletar, Singapore, in flight along the Malayan coastline. The nearest aircraft, Z2144 FV-R, was shot down by Japanese naval fighters in the Bay of Bengal on 5 April 1942. Imperial War Museum CF1267.

Catalina Mark IIIA, FP529, taxiing at Prestwick, Ayrshire, after a transatlantic ferry flight. This aircraft served with Nos. 119 and 330 Squadrons RAF, and also with No. 131 Operational Training Unit. Imperial War Museum CH5948.

RCAF Catalina I s/n 9750.

RCAF Boeing Canada-built Catalina I s/n 9751.

RCAF Boeing Canada-built Catalina I s/n 9751. Lower surfaces were usually glossy white while hull sides and wing were painted matt.

RCAF Boeing Canada-built Catalina I s/n 9751.

Catalina Mark IVB JX431 A of No. 205 Squadron RAF, flying along the coast near the unit's base at Koggala, Ceylon. Imperial War Museum HU46002.

Consolidated Catalina Mark Is of No. 205 Squadron RAF undergoing servicing in their hangar at Seletar, Singapore. One of the Squadron's Short Singapore Mark IIIs, which type the Catalina was replacing, can be seen on the right. Imperial War Museum K1102.

An air gunner demonstrates handling a pair of .303 Browning machine guns, mounted in one of the blister gun-turrets of a Consolidated Catalina of No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit on Loch Ryan, Ayrshire. Note warning below blister window: "Cupola Must Be Raised and Lowered Very Slowly or Glass Will Shatter." Imperial War Museum CH2449.

Centered in this image is the transmitter antenna of an ASV Mk. II radar installed on a Royal Canadian Air Force Consolidated Canso (PBY) aircraft. The left-hand receiver can be see on the extreme right side of the image, dark colored. Note that the receiver is canted to the side, so that it is more directional and reaches peak sensitivity about 15 degrees to the left. Both antennas use the Yagi array principle. with an active element and a passive reflector or director. The ASV Mk. II used two sets of antennas, a forward-firing set seen here, and an optional side-firing set that would be installed on the rear of the fuselage. The side-firing antennas would not be visible in this image even if installed. Collections Canada MIKAN no. 3583273.

A Consolidated Model 28-5 (s/n P9630) moored at Felixstowe, Suffolk, shortly after joining the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment for trials in July 1939. P9630 subsequently flew with Nos. 228, 240 and 210 Squadrons RAF on a number of early long-range reconnaissance sorties before returning to the MAEE with whom it was written off in a landing accident at Dumbarton in February 1940. The 'N' prefix in front of the serial number was applied by the United States Civil Aeronautics Administration for ferrying purposes. Imperial War Museum MH3044.

RAF ground crew and local Singhalese lowering a Consolidated Catalina of No. 240 Squadron RAF into the water at Red Hills Lake, Ceylon, after undergoing repairs. Imperial War Museum CI876.

On board a No. 240 Squadron Catalina at Stranraer, March 1941. A WOp/AG (wireless operator/air gunner) poses with his twin Vickers 'K' guns at the starboard blister hatch, while being serenaded by the banjulele-playing navigator! Imperial War Museum CH2450.

RAF ground crew take a towing cable out to Consolidated Catalina Mark IV s/n JX301 'P', of No. 191 Squadron RAF, which has been moored to a warping buoy prior to being hauled in for inspection at Korangi Creek, near Karachi, India. Imperial War Museum CI1452.

Consolidated Catalina Mark I s/n AH544 'AX-H' of No. 202 Squadron RAF sets course after taking off from Gibraltar on an anti-submarine patrol. Imperial War Museum CM2363.

Busy scene by the slipway at North Front, Gibraltar. In the foreground various RAF marine craft undergo maintenance. Parked behind them are shrouded Consolidated Catalinas of No. 202 Squadron RAF, while in front of the hangar, an engine service is undertaken on Short Sunderland Mark I s/n L5798 'KG-B' of No. 204 Squadron RAF based at Bathurst, The Gambia. Between 1941 and 1944, this unit regularly escorted Allied convoys between Gibraltar and West Africa. Imperial War Museum CM6526.

Singhalese women laborers line up for bucket loads of gravel, dug by the men, to repair the hard standing areas of the flying boat station at Red Hills Lake, Ceylon. Parked behind them are Consolidated Catalina Mark IVs of No. 240 Squadron RAF. Imperial War Museum CI1006.

Capture of the German submarine U-570. The surfaced submarine is alongside a Royal Navy ship. Taken from RAF Catalina aircraft of No. 209 Squadron. 27 August 1941. Imperial War Museum C2066.

Ceremony for the transfer of 15 Catalinas, from the United States to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), December 1944.

U-199 under attack by Brazilian Air Force PBY Catalina, notice the "short" conning tower of an early type IX D2. 31 July 1943.

U-570 surrendered south of Iceland to a Coastal Command Hudson. This photo was taken from a Catalina which relieved the Hudson. The depth charge carried beneath the Catalina's wing is visible. RNZAF photo.

Coastal Command Catalina with retrorocket carriers beneath the wings. The retrorockets had small rockets fitted to the forward end that cancelled out any forward speed as they were dropped, allowing the bombs to fall straight down onto the target. Catalinas fitted with a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and retro-firing rockets to search out and destroy submerged U-boats. The forward speed of the aircraft would prevent bombs from falling accurately onto the target. Caltech were assigned the task of solving this problem. They built upon some earlier work on a shipboard anti-submarine rocket called "Mousetrap", a 7.2" rocket developed from the Hedgehog spigot bomb, to have it launch rearwards to counteract the forward motion of the aircraft. The rocket motor had to be increased in size from 2.25" to 3.25" to produce the thrust to counteract the aircraft speed; indeed three motors were developed to correspond with different aircraft speeds. The explosive in the warhead remained at 60 lb, but was uprated from TNT to Torpex by the time the weapon was put into service.

A Catalina of the RAF being armed with depth charges at a base on Sri Lanka during 1945. This picture shows some of the fixtures and fittings on the wing of the Catalina.

Catalina s/n NZ4001 in the shallows off RNZAF Station Hobsonville. Note ASV aerials have been censored out. 1943. Official RNZAF photo.

The crew of Catalina I s/n AJ159 AX-B No. 202 Squadron RAF conduct an inventory check of parachutes, smoke floats and ammunition drums prior to a patrol that could last up to 18 hours.

The day before Operation Torch, Catalina IB s/n FP122 'K' picked up General Henri Giraud from the Gulf of Lyons after he had been smuggled out of France.

A heavily weathered Catalina IB about to be hauled up the Gun Wharf slipway on August 3, 1944. No. 202 Squadron RAF.

RAF Catalina.

Consolidated PB2B-2 [Boeing Canada Catalina Mk. VI] JX637.

AN/APN-4 LORAN in RCAF Canso aircraft. The associated electronics box is not seen in this photograph, and the position of the cabling suggests it is just out of frame off the bottom of the photo. 20 May 1944. RCAF photo.

"Vingtor", a Consolidated Catalina I (PBY-5). RAF serial W8424 (came from RAF No. 413 Squadron, where it had been marked QL-R,) with the Norwegian Catalina Unit (later to become No. 333 (N) Squadron).

French Navy PBY-5A Catalina warms up its engines at Gibraltar, 14 April 1944. Note "Free French" emblem and French air force roundel. Airborne radar antenna. National Archives 80-G-K-1687.

The long and the short and the tall! Flying Officer Hamilton (6ft 5in) and Flight Lieutenant Melville-Jackson (6ft 3in) flank their 5ft 6in tall flight commander, Squadron Leader John Stacey. No. 202 Squadron RAF.

Royal Australian Air Force PBY-5A Catalinas.

Catalina Mark IB FP244/G-AGFM 2 "Altair Star", operated by QANTAS, flying along the coast of Ceylon at the conclusion of a long-haul flight from Australia. Imperial War Museum CH14924.

Darwin, Northern Territories, 20 August 1944. Crew of No. 20 Squadron RAAF Consolidated Catalina s/n A24-95 viewing the damage caused by an explosive bullet that passed through a fuel tank missing fuel and oil lines on their first mission. Left to right - Back row: Sergeant Donald Kelway Storrie (1st Engineer); Flight Sergeant Ron Black (2nd Pilot); Flight Sergeant James Reginald Cleworth (Navigator); Flight Sergeant Ross Schulz (Captain and Pilot); Middle row: Sergeant Bill Rowe (2nd Engineer); Wireless Operator Bates, Wireless/Air Gunner; Flight Sergeant Fred Robins, a passenger pilot on the trip for experience; Front row: Sergeant Alfred Russell Jones; Warrant Officer William Voss Bates (1st Crew); Sergeant Walter Scott (2nd Crew). All the above were killed in action 7 March 1945 except Black and Robins who survived the war. Australian War Memorial P01630.

Cairns, Queensland, 10 January 1944. Crew of a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, coded OX-K, of No. 43 Squadron RAAF. Patrol completed, the crew boards a launch for shore. Left to right: Back row: Sergeant (Sgt) C. R. Jones of Merbein, Vic, flight engineer; Flying Officer R. H. Gibson of Trangie, NSW, second pilot; Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) K. A. Crisp of Nedlands, WA, second pilot; Flt Lt J. G. Ryan of Brighton, Vic, captain; Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt) F. N. Lathby of Victoria Park, WA, wireless operator air gunner (WOAG); Flt Sgt G. J. Smith of Mt Lawley, WA, WOAG; Front row: Flt Sgt R. D. McMillan of Kedron, Qld, observer; Sgt A. H. Gilmour of Lockhart, NSW, flight engineer; Sgt J. M. Booth of Millthorpe, NSW, fitter-air gunner; Sgt J. G. Weston of Cessnock, NSW, fitter-air gunner. Australian War Memorial NEA0343.

Queensland, North Queensland, Cairns. Portrait of air and ground crew members of 43 Squadron, RAAF, with their Catalina flying boat, bearing nose art entitled 'Some Chicken'. Identified from Left: Sergeant James Walter Goodwin; Leading Aircraftman Charles Wilburforce Hiffernan; Flying Officer (FO), Allan Bernard Liedl; FO Ian Douglas Vaughan Ralfe of Yeppoon, Qld (sitting in cockpit). The nose art shows a chick hatching from a bomb. Another 43 Squadron Catalina is visible, moored in the background. Australian War Memorial NEA0328.

Consolidated Catalina Mark IB s/n JX577 4 "Antares Star" operated by QANTAS, taxies to moorings after touching down at Koggala, Ceylon. Imperial War Museum CH14928.

Bowen, Queensland, 1943. Catalina of No. 11 Squadron or No. 20 Squadron RAAF, early in 1943. It has been beached for maintenance by No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial P01490.002.

Lake Boga, Victoria, 31 August 1944. Catalina s/n A24-69 of No 11 Squadron RAAF being serviced at the RAAF Flying Boat Repair Depot. In the background are other aircraft in hangars specially constructed for repair work so that maximum light is obtained for intricate repairs. Australian War Memorial P00448.039.

Madang, New Guinea, c. January 1945. In December 1944 the story of the dramatic rescue of an American aircrew which had crash-landed in the sea in enemy-controlled waters near Boram in North East New Guinea was told. The captain of the rescuing Catalina Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) I. J. L. Wood received an immediate award of the DFC for his skill and gallantry. With his crew and aircraft of No. 111 Air Sea Rescue Flight RAAF, left to right: Flt Lt Wood, Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt) D.N. Beaton, Flying Officer B.W. Bentley, Warrant Officer A.V. Dawson, Flt Sgt P. Fletcher, Flt Sgt S. Benwick, Sergeant C. Thorsbourne, Flt Sgt P.S. Lindsay and Flt Sgt S.A. Carwardine. Australian War Memorial OG1986.

Labuan, North Borneo, c. 15 August 1945. How the war ended at RAAF's most westerly base in the South West Pacific Area. One of the most famous Catalina of No. 113 Air Sea Rescue Flight RAAF operating in the Pacific is captained by Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Wally Mills DFC with his "Cat" crew. Back row, left to right: Flt Lt Mills; Flying Officer (FO) Wal Hawthorne; Flt Lt Len Pozzi; Warrant Officer (WO) Bill Taylor; WO Reg Crilley; Sergeant (Sgt) Sid Middleton. Front row: Sgt Bob Ballingall; FO Ron Francis DFM; FO Col Darling. Australian War Memorial OG3228.

A No. 42 Squadron Catalina, RF-P, framed by the empennage of No. 20 Squadron Catalina s/n A24-301. Australian War Memorial 044473.

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, 16 October 1944. Leading Aircraftman K.N. Bartram (1), and Sergeant S.B. Sherry, members of No. 20 Squadron RAAF (East Arm, Darwin area), at the waist gun turret of a Catalina, explaining the order in which bullets are placed in the machine gun belt to visiting members of the Parliamentary War Expenditure Committee. identified personnel are: the Honourable H.E. Holt, MP, Deputy Chairman of Committee (3); the Honourable H.V. Johnson, MP, (4). Australian War Memorial 081564.

A Catalina s/n A24-65 of No. 43 Squadron RAAF ("Black Cats") undergoes engine tests whilst taxiing on Darwin Harbour in 1945. Note the two LAC's working on the port engine. Note also exhaust flame dampers for night ops.

Darwin, Northwest Territory, August 1944. Refueling a No 20 Squadron RAAF Catalina from a fuel barge in Darwin Harbour. James Reginald Cleworth holds the refueling hose, while Russell Jones is on the wing. Australian War Memorial P01630.020.

Darwin, Northwest Territory, August 1944. Refueling a No 20 Squadron RAAF Catalina from a fuel barge in Darwin Harbour. Australian War Memorial P01630.019.

RAAF Catalina s/n A24-362 of No 43 Squadron.

A Catalina RAAF s/n A24-40 OX-A of No. 43 Squadron RAAF, up for repairs at Bowen, Queensland.

Darwin, NT, 28 May 1945. Flight Sergeant J.W.N. Stretton with other members of the RAAF, adjust the racks during the loading of a mine under a Catalina aircraft of No. 43 Squadron RAAF.

Flores Sea, Netherlands East Indies, 11 August 1945. Aerial photo of a strafing and bombing run on a Japanese motor sail ship. The photo was taken with an F28 camera from No. 43 Squadron RAAF Catalina s/n A24-356 flying at an altitude of 50 feet. The aircraft was crewed by Flight Lieutenant Mckeand and Flying Officer Bradford. Australian War Memorial P01619.004.

RAAF Catalina PBY-5 s/n A24-64 flying over Lake Boga, Victoria, Australia, November 1944. On 14 December 1944, Catalina A24-64 together with 22 other Catalina aircraft departed on a mission to Manila Bay with orders to rendezvous in the vicinity of Cape Calavite outbound from the target. All aircraft except A24-64 returned safely from the mission. A24-64 has not been seen or heard from since its departure from Leyte Gulf.

Rathmines, NSW, 1943. Catalinas from No. 3 Operational Training Unit on a formation flying exercise. previously known as the Seaplane Training Flight, this unit provided the final training for the crews of Nos. 11, 20, 42 and 43 Squadrons in the multiple tasks of long-range reconnaissance, supply-dropping, bombing, and minelaying. Australian War Memorial 128145.

The crew of the disabled Catalina aircraft, s/n A24-96 RK-E of No. 42 Squadron RAAF in their dinghies preparing to move across to the Catalina aircraft of No. 43 Squadron RAAF which came to rescue them. The aircraft had come down near Japanese held territory. On the night of 14 January 1945, during a mission to Surabaya, a plane from No. 42 Squadron RAAF, captained by Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Harrigan, experienced trouble with its port engine and immediately began to lose altitude. At the time Flt Lt Harrigan was flying at 300 feet below heavy cloud off Sumba Island. He jettisoned his mines, but the plane continued to lose altitude and he was forced to alight on the open sea. The hull of the Catalina aircraft was damaged and began to leak. However, the water was kept down by baling. Using the radio-telephone, the crew was able to make its position known to returning minelayers. All night they worked on the faulty engine, but without success. However, in the morning, a Catalina aircraft of No. 43 Squadron RAAF, captained by Flt Lt Ortlepp, landed in the heavy swell, covered by a Liberator aircraft, and took off Flt Lt Harrigan's crew. Flt Lt Ortlepp then destroyed the disabled Catalina aircraft with machine-gun fire and returned safely to base. Australian War Memorial NWA0736.

Darwin, NT, circa 1944. No 42 Squadron RAAF Catalina s/n A24-102 moored to a buoy. Australian War Memorial P01630.018.

Darwin, NT, 24 June 1944. Maintenance workers checking the engines of a Catalina aircraft of No. 43 Squadron RAAF prior to a mission. Left to right: Leading Aircraftman (LAC) J. C. Howarth; LAC J. A. Britt (flight Mechanic); Flight Lieutenant J. F. Arnott; LAC L. J. Hardcastle; LAC E. A. Robinson (sitting on engine stand); LAC C. J. Whalan. Australian War Memorial NWA0878A.

Darwin, NT, 28 May 1945. A Consolidated Catalina aircraft, code OX-H of No. 43 Squadron RAAF taxis about the harbor whilst a fitter checks its engines. Australian War Memorial NWA0904.

Australian soldiers sit on a captured Type 94 Japanese tankette, serial number 88, on the beach. Left to right: Trooper Doug Jasprizza, Trooper Kevin Brett, Trooper Brian Bourke (sitting in turret), Trooper John Dean, Trooper Bert Castellari, Trooper Max Watkins and Trooper Tom Gallagher (who is naked). The tankette was captured on 1 July 1945 by the 2/9th Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade, who handed it over to the 1st Australian Armoured Regiment to keep it running. The tankette was the first of its kind to be found in the South West Pacific area by Australian troops. On 27 December 1945 it was transported to Australia on the SS Winchester Victory. In the background is a wrecked Catalina aircraft from No 42 Squadron. The tankette is now held in the collection of the Australian War Memorial with accession number REL/16287. Australian War Memorial P02125.001.

Australia, circa 1940. RAAF Catalina s/n A24-11 in flight. Australian War Memorial 128018.

Banda Sea, Netherlands East Indies. Aerial photo of a rendezvous between the British submarine HMS Telemachus and No. 112 Air Sea Rescue Flight RAAF Catalina s/n A24-54. An engineer officer, injured in an accident, was transferred from the submarine to the Catalina by dinghy and flown to Darwin for emergency surgery. The photo was taken with an F28 camera from No. 21 Squadron RAAF Liberator s/n A72-66 flown by Squadron Leader Ken Bowman at an altitude of 1000 feet. Australian War Memorial P01619.007.

Darwin, NT, 24 June 1944. Leading Aircraftman (LAC) L. J. Hardcastle (left) and LAC J. C. Howarth, checking the forward guns of a Catalina aircraft of No. 43 Squadron RAAF. Australian War Memorial NWA0880.

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, 16 October 1944. Members of No. 20 Squadron, RAAF (East Arm, Darwin area), with lines of machine gun belts wrapped around them speak with members of the Parliamentary War Expenditure Committee visiting the unit. Identified personnel are: Leading Aircraftman A.J. Bennett (1); LAC N.P. Lawlis (2); Corporal W.J. Bailey (3); the Honourable D. Mcleod, MP (4); Mr. W.I. Emerton Secretary Parliamentary War Expenditure Committee (5); Senator W.J. Large (6). Australian War Memorial 081565.

Darwin, NT, c. September 1945. Survivors disembarking from a Consolidated Catalina aircraft, code RK-0, s/n A24-95 of No. 42 Squadron RAAF, into a RAAF launch, No. 011-12, on arrival at Darwin after they had been picked up from a Japanese hospital. The survivors were from the United States Army Air Force flying in a Douglas C-47 transport aircraft which crashed into the sea. The survivors, washed ashore on Jamdena Island in the Tanimbar Group, were Captain Otto Leipske, pilot; Lieutenant Howie Crothers, 2nd pilot; Captain John Rodof, a passenger; Sergeant Frank Termin, radio operator; and Corporal Eugene Janicker, an engineer. Australian War Memorial NWA0981.

A Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina aircraft of No. 11 Squadron RAAF in flight in the vicinity of Port Moresby, New Guinea, in company with a Short Empire flying boat also of the squadron. August 1941. Australian War Memorial 009103.

Solomon Sea area, 27 January 1944. The Catalina which searched 400 square miles of sea, taxies to rescue Warrant Officer J. E. C. "Shorty" Arthur, a pilot of No. 76 Squadron RAAF, from a rubber dinghy in which he was adrift in the Solomon Sea after bailing out of his Kittyhawk aircraft. Australian War Memorial OG0503.

August 1941. American-built Catalina flying boats. Catalinas escort convoys, carry out long range bombing raids, undertake routine patrols and anti-submarine reconnaissance, but their regular job is patrolling vast areas of ocean. These Catalinas are setting out on patrol. Australian War Memorial 009453.

Rathmines, New South Wales, 1945. An aerial view of RAAF Rathmines showing the hangars on shore with Catalina aircraft moored in the lake. Australian War Memorial P00992.008.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing PB2B-1 Catalina s/n NZ4038 from No. 6 Squadron at Bougainville, in 1945. The PB2B-1 NZ4038 was built for the U.S. Navy with the BuNo 73048. It arrived at Fiji on 25 June 1944, 6 Sqn. code "PA-J". After the war, it was loaned to TEAL in 1948 to survey the "Coral Route" (registration ZK-AMP). It was returned to the RNZAF in 1951 and declared surplus to requirements, and was sold for scrap and broken up in May 1952. Australian War Memorial P00001.171.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing PB2B-1 Catalina (PA-K) from 6 (Flying Boat) Squadron landing at Tol Anchorage, New Britain, on 5 August 1945. The PB2B-1 was a license-built Consolidated PBY. Australian War Memorial 094829.

Australian troops of 37/52nd infantry battalion loading their gear from a launch into a Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing PB2B-1 Catalina aircraft from No. 6 Squadron at Nantambu, New Britain, 22 August 1945. The battalion was airlifted back to the RNZAF base at Jacquinot Bay. Australian War Memorial 095476.

At Sea, 9 January 1944. Interior of an RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, showing bare-chested Sergeant J. G. Weston, air gunner at the waist cupola dressed suitably for the intense heat encountered in flight when on low level anti-submarine patrol over water. The aircraft has flown from its base at Cairns, Queensland. Australian War Memorial NEA0331.

Probably Karumba, Queensland, circa August 1943-April 1944. A Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft, RAAF s/n A24-40, coded OX-A, of No. 43 (Catalina) Squadron RAAF at a flying boat base in the Gulf of Carpentaria, taxiing on the Norman River. Australian War Memorial NEA0149.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. At No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit, an RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat with beaching chassis fitted, is taxied up the slip way under its own power for overhaul. Australian War Memorial NEA0456.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. At No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat aircraft being hosed down with fresh water by 35873 Leading Aircraftman J. C. Walsh, fitter IIA. Australian War Memorial NEA0445.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat ashore for overhaul, as seen from the gunner's cupola or "blister" of a sister ship at an "aerial dockyard" at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial NEA0463.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat mounted on special beaching chassis is brought ashore for overhaul, towed by a tractor, at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial NEA0461.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. RAAF fitters working on the engines of a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, serial no. A24-76, coded RB-V, at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial NEA0462.

At Sea, 9 January 1944. Interior of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat showing Flight Sergeant F. N. Lathby using an Aldis signaling lamp at the waist position. The aircraft has flown from its base at Cairns, Queensland. Australian War Memorial NEA0335.

Cairns, Queensland, 12 January 1944. The bowman of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat takes aboard a towline so the flying boat can move to another mooring buoy. Australian War Memorial NEA0330.

Cairns, Queensland, 12 January 1944. RAAF mine-laying Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, with underwing mines aboard. Catalina aircraft of this type have at some time or other closed nearly every important enemy-held harbor in the South-West Pacific. Once they bottled up a whole battle fleet. Australian War Memorial NEA0347.

At sea, 9 January 1944. Interior of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat showing 71335 Sergeant J. G. Weston of Cessnock, NSW, air gunner, cooking Catalina style while in flight during an overnight patrol. The aircraft has flown from its base at Cairns, Queensland. Australian War Memorial NEA0339.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. In the waist blister of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, two senior engineers check over their "snag list" of matters calling for special attention during a Catalina overhaul at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. From left: Flight Sergeant T. F. Trevethan, fitter IIE and Warrant Officer F. G. Andrewartha, Warrant Officer engineer. Australian War Memorial NEA0450.

Northern Australia. Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat aircraft, RAAF serial no. A24-53, attached to No. 43 Squadron RAAF, taxiing into water with assistance from RAAF personnel. This aircraft was delivered to the RAAF in April 1943 and shot down over Balikpapan, Borneo, on 21 April 1944. NEA0165T.

Bowen, Queensland, 6 June 1944. Torn fabric on a control surface of this Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft received a patch by three WAAAF members. From left: Aircraftwoman (ACW) Mavis Quinn, ACW Pat Mason, and ACW Jean Hewens, at RAAF Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial NEA0547.

Darwin, NT., February 1942. A US Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina patrol bomber turns towards two Australian corvettes. In the right background is a US Navy destroyer of the four-stack type, probably USS Peary. Australian War Memorial 304462.

An unidentified crew member of a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft on port blister watch with machine gun. Australian War Memorial P08233.009.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. Major work on Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat is performed ashore at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Installing the wing-tip float retracting mechanism are, from left: Leading Aircraftman (LAC) H. A. Brown, fitter IIA; LAC J. Standen, fitter IIA. Their supervisor is Warrant Officer F. G. Andrewartha, the base Warrant Officer engineer. Australian War Memorial NEA0449.

Bowen, Queensland, 1943. Catalina flying boat of No. 11 Squadron or No. 20 Squadron RAAF, early in 1943. It has been beached for maintenance by the No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial P01490.003.

At sea, 9 January 1944. Interior of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat showing a bare-chested Sergeant J. G. Weston, air gunner at the waist cupola test firing in flight. He wears anti-glare goggles. The aircraft has flown from its base at Cairns, Queensland. Australian War Memorial NEA0332.

Circa 1943. Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft fitted with ASV 2 radar on a boat ramp. It carries no insignia or markings. It was possibly from No. 20 or No. 43 Squadron RAAF. Australian War Memorial P01001.001.

A Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft, RAAF serial no. A24-40, coded OX-A, of No. 43 Squadron RAAF, up for repairs at Bowen, Queensland. Australian War Memorial P08233.007.

Bowen, Queensland, 6 June 1944. WAAF at work - a US Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft received attention at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit (FBMU) RAAF. Aircraftwoman (ACW) Pat Mason, takes a tin of dope from ACW Mavis Quinn while ACW Jean Hewens stands by with the brush and paint gun. Note the identifying American star. Australian War Memorial NEA0546.

Darwin, NT., February 1942. A Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat taxis across the harbor. shipping in the background includes (left to right) the transport Zealandia, the hospital ship Manunda and an American transport. The photograph was taken shortly before the Japanese air raid of 19 February 1942. Australian War Memorial 304966.

Darwin, NT., February 1942. A Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat on the harbor. shipping in the background includes (left to right) the hospital ship Manunda, an American transport, the tanker British Motorist and the floating dock. The photograph was taken shortly before the Japanese air raid of 19 February 1942. Australian War Memorial 304965.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. Hosing with fresh water is the first action when RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats are brought ashore for overhaul at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. With the hose is Leading Aircraftman M. D. Hepplewhite, Fitter IIA. He is watched by another member of the RAAF in the foreground. Australian War Memorial NEA0458.

An RAAF PBY Catalina, A24-17, code letter 'H', on the surface in New Guinea waters during World War II. On the left forward fuselage is a nose art depicting the popular Disney character Donald Duck throwing bombs. This Australian-flown aircraft was mistakenly attacked by US Navy F4F Wildcat fighter aircraft on 27 June 1942 whilst returning to Havannah Harbor seaplane base in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). The US Navy pilot mistaking the RAAF upper wing roundels (blue and red) for a Japanese hinomaru (red circle). The Australian Catalina was damaged and no crew were wounded. This incident was a key part of the decision to change RAAF markings in the Pacific theatre of war to not include any red within the roundels. Post-war the roundels returned to the traditional red, white and blue. Australian War Memorial 152098.

Port Moresby area, New Guinea. 29 December 1943. From Tua-Guba hill looking down on to the Royal Australian Air Force marine section. Here are based PBY Catalina squadrons used for long-range reconnaissance work. Australian War Memorial 062132.

Cairns, Queensland, 9 January 1944. Rations, including bread, are loaded through a waist blister of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat. Australian War Memorial NEA0341.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. At No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit tail view of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat aircraft ashore. Australian War Memorial NEA0447.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. Fitters working on a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Engine of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Australian War Memorial NEA0464.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. Engine maintenance being performed at No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. Known as the "Aerial Dockyard", it is where RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats are flown from operational bases for periodic overhaul. Australian War Memorial NEA0460.

At sea, 9 January 1944. RAAF wireless air gunner Flight Sergeant F. N. Lathby, writing a message at his station in the interior of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat while in flight. The aircraft has flown from its base at Cairns, Qld. Australian War Memorial NEA0336.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. At No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit, the port aileron of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat is being removed during ashore overhaul. Australian War Memorial NEA0454.

Maintenance personnel at 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot RAAF in north-western Victoria on the expansive wing of a Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat aircraft in a maintenance hangar. Australian War Memorial VIC0067.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. Five members of No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit fitting tail beaching gear to a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, serial no. A24-78, coded FJ-J, of No. 11 Squadron RAAF. Australian War Memorial NEA0455.

Flying Officer Brian Holmes RAAF using the Astr-Compass from the port blister of a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft. Australian War Memorial P08233.008.

Cairns, Queensland, 12 January 1944. RAAF armorers hoist a magnetic mine into place under the wing of a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat. On wing operating winches are Leading Aircraftman (LAC) H. Klose (left), and LAC C. Saunders. Hands on the nose of the mine is Corporal W. Hughes. Seated is LAC G. Nakkar. Australian War Memorial NEA0348.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. At No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit, RAAF fitters working on the tailplane of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat aircraft, serial no. A24-60. On the ground at left is the base Warrant Officer (Engineer), WO F. G. Andrewartha. Australian War Memorial NEA0448.

Bowen, Queensland, 9 May 1944. New Plexiglas being fitted in the port gunner's cupola, or "blister" of a RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat which has been brought ashore for periodic overhaul with No. 1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit. From left, Leading Aircraftman (LAC) G. B. Furness, flight rigger, and LAC T. A. McCoy, fitter IIA. Australian War Memorial NEA0451.

RAAF Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat A24-54, coded RB-U, - a "Black Cat" [Catalina painted operational black] - taxies out along the water before a long-range mission. A24-54 was allocated to No. 20 Squadron RAAF at the time this image was taken and was re-allocated to 112 Air Sea Rescue Flight, with which unit she was later lost. A24-54 took part in a sea mining operation on 12 January 1944. They took off from Cairns, landed at Darwin, carried out a mining operation, returned to Darwin where they re-armed, took off from Darwin again on the 14th and returned. The operation was repeated on the 16th but A24-54 was forced to return to base due to engine trouble. On 6 April 1945, after landing on open water to rescue the crew of an Australian Liberator which had been shot down, A24-54 was attacked by enemy aircraft, caught fire and was lost. All but one of its crew and the survivors from the Liberator where subsequently rescued. Australian War Memorial NEA0344.

Morotai, NEI, 1945. Catalina PBY A24-92 of No. 113 RAAF Air-Sea Rescue Flight with the crew in front of the aircraft. From the left are: back row, Air Gunner (AG) Sergeant L. Hay, Wireless Operator Air Gunner (WAG) Flying Officer A. Garrett, WAG Flying Officer J.W. Leach, Flight Engineer (F Eng) Sergeant Kennedy, F Eng Sergeant L. Pitts, AG Sergeant N. Johnstone; front row, Second Pilot Flight Sergeant K. Wakeham, Aircraft Captain Flight Lieutenant K. Marshall and Navigator Flying Officer W. Gunner. Australian War Memorial P00992.007.

Bowen, Queensland, 6 June 1944. At RAAF Flying Boat Maintenance Unit, WAAAF fabric workers on shore maintenance working on sea planes instead of land planes. Left to right: Aircraftwoman (ACW) Pat Mason uses the paint gun on the wing of a US Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft while ACW Mavis Quinn and ACW Jean Hewens, do a patching job above her. Australian War Memorial NEA0545.

Singapore, 5 September 1945. Flying Officer J. H. McPherson RAAF Public Relations Officer (4) recording an interview with 8th Australian Division ex-prisoners of war at the Kallang Aerodrome. Identified personnel are: Signaller (SIG) C. Brooks, 8th Australian Division Signals (1); SIG G. Cruickshank (2); SIG A. Shepherd, 8th Australian Division (3). In the background can be seen a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina amphibian aircraft, which along with the Douglas C-47 Dakota, were the two main aircraft that the RAAF used to repatriate the POWs back to Australia. Australian War Museum 116989.

San Diego, California, 28 January 1941. A group of four RAAF aircrew in civilian clothes (left) and four members of Consolidated Aircraft Corporation (right) in front of the first PBY Catalina aircraft purchased by the RAAF, just before the official handover in February 1941. The aircraft was flown to Australia on the civilian register, and later became A24-1. Left to right: unidentified; Geoff Nicholl (later Wing Commander); P. G. Taylor; rest unidentified. Australian War Memorial P02515.003.

Solomon Sea, 21 January 1944. A Beaufighter aircraft of No. 30 Squadron RAAF circles over a Rescue and Communications Light PBY Catalina landing at sea to rescue Warrant Officer `Shorty' Arthur. Warrant Officer Arthur was forced to bail out of his No. 77 Squadron RAAF Kittyhawk aircraft about 40 miles south of Gasmata after his aircraft developed engine trouble on the return flight from New Britain. He spent 27½ hours in the water until he was sighted by a search aircraft from No. 30 Squadron RAAF. No. 77 Squadron were escorting Beaufort aircraft of No.'s 6, 8 and 10 Squadrons during a strike on a Japanese dump at Amgen River, near Gasmata. Australian War Memorial P01372.001.

Lake Boga, Victoria, 31 August 1944. Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat A24-69 of No 11 Squadron RAAF being serviced at the RAAF Flying Boat Repair Depot. In the background are other aircraft in hangars specially constructed for repair work so that maximum light is obtained for intricate repairs. Australian War Memorial P00448.039.

Lake Boga, Victoria, 31 August 1944. Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat aircraft of the US forces undergoing maintenance work at the RAAF Flying Boat Repair Base. Australian War Memorial P00448.040.

Bengal, India, circa January 1945. Group portrait of the crew of a US Navy Air Sea Rescue PBY-5A Catalina flying boat operating from a Bengal Indian base, standing in front of the aircraft. This crew made a moonlight landing on the sea and rescued the crew of an aircraft which had 'ditched'. Left to right: Warrant Officer (WO) W. J. Gorman, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), a wireless operator; WO W. Kirkness DFC, RAF,; Lieutenant (Lt) J. G. Spelman, US Army Air Force (USAAF), co-pilot; Lt C. J. Grahame, USAAF, pilot; Flying Officer (FO) L. B. Adcock, RAAF, navigator; FO E. Leeke, RAAF. Australian War Memorial P02491.011.

Catalina G-AGKS of the Double Sunrise service operated by QANTAS for the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II at the Nedlands base. 1943.

World War 2 In Review

Air Power Album: Consolidated PBY Catalina in Foreign Service

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