A BLACK CAT TO FLY AGAIN

Catalina

Catalina squadrons carried out effective offensive and defensive operations of an almost unbelievable nature, playing a major role in bringing the war in the Pacific to its conclusion in August 1945.

The Seaplane Pilots Association has combined forces with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) to locate and purchase a Catalina to restore it to flying status in the famous Black Cat colours of World War 2.

Philip Dulhunty of the Seaplane Pilots Association said "There are still some original Catalina pilots and air crew who, in their late 70's and 80's meet regularly in Sydney to reminisce and say farewell to comrades who may not make the next meeting. While these stalwarts are still around, it is important to show our younger generation the Catalinas and the men who operated them.""

The groups located a possible Catalina that was being used in the US for water bombing. Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith has agreed to be a major sponsor towards the $500,000 purchase price for the Catalina.

Mr. Dulhunty said donations to the project were tax deductible and HARS had already restored several aircraft including its centrepiece, the Lockheed Super Constellation "Connie".

REFERENCE BOOK

Gaunt, Coral & Cleworth, Robert, "Cats at War - The Story of RAAF Catalinas in the Asia- Pacific Theatre of War", J.R. Cleworth (2000)

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"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 26 December 2000

This page last updated 13 January 2020