| Description:
With the tremendous Battle Stations series, as shown on the History Channel, we have a fascinating look back into history. Using authentic wartime films including rare films from manufactures such as in the making of the B-17, and much more. This truly is a series not to be missed.
Catalina Patrol.
The Back Reads:
“The PBY Catalina flying boat was one of the most dependable and best-loved aircraft ever built. During the Second World War, it proved its versatility delivering supplies, flying long range reconnaissance patrols, rescuing downed airmen and hunting both enemy shipping and submarines.
This detailed film profile of The Cat traces the flying boats story from Consolidateds original design brief through its wartime service. Packed with archive footage, rare colour film and manufacturers own archive material, it also includes exclusive interviews with ex-Catalina pilots and aircrew.
The Catalina had an inauspicious start to the Second World War. 67 of the aircraft - almost the Navys entire fleet - were caught on the ground and destroyed or seriously damaged at Pearl Harbor - but replacements were soon playing a vital role in the Battle Of Midway. Night Bomber variants - the Black Cats - helped to wreak havoc on Japanese supply lines by sea and in one month alone a single squadron of Black Cats sank 43 Japanese ships.
The Catalina also served with distinction with the RAF in the Atlantic, where it became recognized as a formidable sub-hunter, and it was to be found in every other theatre of combat.
In total, almost 4,000 Catalinas were built, making it by far the most numerous and successful flying boat design in aviation history.” |
