The origins of the Catalina patrol flying boat extend as far as1935 when the prototype first appeared as the Model 28-5. The U.S. Navy, which went on to operate various models of the PBY for a further 10 years, made a substantial order for 176 aircraft in 1936.
Coastal Command
Catalinas were an early acquisition by the British Purchasing Commission on its initial visit to the U.S.A. in 1939; as replacements for the outdated Stranraer and London flying boats in Coastal Command’s service. At the outbreak of war in September 1939 the Command was faced with a host of responsibilities. Its prime role was the protection of in-shore waters of the United Kingdom and shipping lanes along which flowed vital domestic supplies and war materials. Three squadrons of Short Sunderlands were already in service, and with the Catalina to be soon available they would be a vital addition to Coastal Command. Like most Commands it was faced with a shortage of aircraft suitable for the task. Although near obsolete, the venerable Avro Anson performed some amazing feats in that early period, including the confirmed destruction of several Me109s. The battling Ansons were gradually replaced by the Lockheed Hudson, an efficient reconnaissance/bomber that saw wide service with Coastal and other commands from 1939 to 1945..
Operational
Long-range maritime patrols were the role in which the Catalina performed admirably. Although not of outstanding general performance, its extreme range of 4,000 miles made the ‘Cat’ a vital facet in the Battle of the Atlantic. First RAF deliveries began in late 1940, and No.209 squadron was an early recipient when they exchanged their troublesome Saro Lerwicks for the trusty ‘Cats’. The Lerwick was an obscure type with a dismal performance and formed the equipment of just two squadrons.
Find the Bismarck
On 18 May 1941 the battleships Bismarck and Prinz Eugen made their dramatic breakout to the North Atlantic from a Norwegian fjord. Following a savage encounter in the Denmark Strait on 24 May, where the battle cruiser Hood was sunk, Bismarck continued alone on its foray, shadowed by Royal Navy units but at a critical stage in the pursuit radar contact was lost.
In the foulest of weather; the North Atlantic at its most violent, a Catalina despatched from Loch Erne sighted Bismarck, and in the course of its shadowing operation the Cat reported Bismarck’s new position to the carrier Ark Royal. Despite the atrocious conditions, two separate air strikes of Swordfish torpedo aircraft were despatched. The first strike was inconclusive; but on the second operation three hits were made. One fatally damaged her steering gear, thus sealing Bismarck’s fate. Forced it into an erratic steering pattern it was intercepted by heavy units of the Royal Navy and battered to destruction.
Victoria Cross
Catalinas were involved in many heroic attacks on surfaced U-Boats, and on two occasions these resulted in the award of the Victoria Cross to the Catalina skippers. The first was to Flt Lt. D.E.Hornell of 162 sqdrn. and was a posthumous award; the second was to Flt. Lt. A. Cruickshank of 210 sqdrn. the only Coastal Command VC to survive the war.
Pacific Theatre
In the Pacific theatre the Catalina made a substantial contribution in that conflict, operating with the U.S. Navy and with Australian units in New Guinea and northern Australia.
The ubiquitous Cat also served in a civilian role with Qantas airways after the air route from England to Australia was cut in February 1942. A service from Ceylon to Perth in Western Australia was instigated, and began with a maiden flight carried out in July 1943. Nearly seven tons of fuel was essential to give the Cats duration of 36 hours for the 4000-mile journey. Against that, only three passengers and mail were carried, making the operation uneconomic in the extreme. Nevertheless the four Catalinas involved, completed 270 crossings without loss until they were withdrawn and replaced by Liberators. It was the end of the line for the faithful Cats, and in late 1945 they were towed out to sea and scuttled. It was an ignominious finale to an aircraft of fond memory.
 |
 |
