Catalina Flying Boats - Pacific 1945

[motto]

This has got me intrigued now and I would quite like to know the PBY models the RAAF operated.

At this point in time I suspect that the preponderance of aircraft would have been the PBY-5. I remember Lindsay's preference for the flying boat over the amphibian due to the large loss of interior space taken up by the wheel wells.

Logically, there must also have been a performance penalty in regards to reduced payload and perhaps range. As the aircraft were commonly used for long range missions this would have been a decisive factor and may explain the conversion of PBY-5A to PBY-5A(M) by way of landing gear removal. Production of the PBY-5 ceased in 1943 and the RAAF had to take 5A (amphibians) which didn't suit their purpose.

That's the way I think it was and I will try to find out for sure but the inter web doesn't have all the answers. I was recently introduced to a fellow from Violet Town who was a member of No 11 Squadron. I'll be interested to put the question to him. Or, maybe Keith can clear the matter up.

Dave

[Mike Cecil]

Wilson lists RAAF acquisitions as:
PBY4: 2 (acquired 1942)
PBY5: 64 (mainly delivered 1941-1943)
PBY5A: 46 (mainly delivered 1944-45)
PB2B-1: 7 (acquired 1944-45)
PB2B-2: 47 (acquired 1944-45)

With 29 of the 46 PBY5A's converted to PBY5A(M) flying boats.

Mike C

[Col Tigwell]

Weight was the main factor, I believe the program reduced the weight by some 1500Lbs. which gives nearly 2 hrs endurance.

After the war however the last to go to disposal was the amphibs.

Regards

Col

[Keith Webb]

Originally Posted by Col Tigwell

Weight was the main factor, I believe the program reduced the weight by some 1500Lbs. which gives nearly 2 hrs endurance.

After the war however the last to go to disposal was the amphibs.

Regards

Col

That makes a lot of sense Col. I would have chimed in earlier here but have had hardly any Catalina veterans to interview...

[motto]

Thanks again fellows, you cracked it Mike, it all makes sense now. All that I postulated in my #10 post has been shown to be correct. As was my opening statement.

With the PBY-4 & -5 and the PB2B-1 & -2 being flying boats and 29 of the 46 PBY-5A being converted to -5a(M) only 17 of the 166 Catalina's operated by the RAAF were amphibians.

A little more to the story in memory of Lindsay McDonald F/E RAAF No11 Squadron.

One night whilst on patrol north of New Guinea they spotted a Japanese cargo carrying submarine which managed to submerge before they could turn around and attack. As they were still outward bound they made an estimate of where the sub may be on their return trip.
On the way home all keyed up and ready to go they saw the wake of a vessel on the moonlit sea and immediately lined up for a bombing run. It wasn't until they were committed to the attack that they realised what they were bearing down on was not a submarine but a Jap destroyer. As Lindsay said, "they were very good, you stayed away from them".
As luck would have it the lookout on their side hadn't seen the Black Cat in the down moon darkness and as they went over the skipper jettisoned all four depth charges and set about putting as much distance between themselves and the ship as rapidly as they could.
Lindsay saw the whole thing from one of the blister/waist gun positions and remembered vividly seeing the propellors on the destroyer flashing in the moonlight as the stern of the vessel was lifted out of the water by the detonations.
They didn't go back to have a look and all they ever knew was that an oil slick was seen in the area the following day.

David