RAAF Catalina - ‘First and furthest’
Special Exhibition
03 December 2019 to 15 December 2019
The Catalina flying boat was one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War, and was operated by virtually every Allied nation in anti-submarine, air-sea rescue, patrol and minelaying/bombing roles. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) used more than 150 Catalinas between 1941 and 1945.
This exhibition of photos and objects from the Memorial collection recognises the significance of the flying boats and the crew that flew and maintained them.
Carrying a US Mk 12 magnetic sea mine under each wing, this RAAF Catalina is under tow at Cairns. The well-worn paint on the aircraft is typical of the appearance of the hard-working black cats.
NEA0347 12 January 1944