PBY Catalina Flying Boats

[Inco]

Hi -

I'm a Mother of a former Navy P-3 crew member (In-flight Tech/Ordnance etc), who passed away in 2007. I am trying to participate in and do things to honor his memory - as his five years in the USN were the happiest and most satisfying of his life. So from time to time, I will have questions and queries about odd and assorted military things I don't understand -and now can't ask him! So maybe some of you can share your knowledge out there with me.

But am particularly interested in anyone out there who EVER had anything to do with the PBY Catalinas at any time - back to when first built in 1940s, any place - USA or any other country, any experience - crew, mechanic, recued etc., anything you'd be willing to share.......since it was the pre-runner of the P-3 and my Son was interested in their history - and now me too.
Thanks.

[Siggy]

Hello ,here's just some basic info you might enjoy, the PBY was used by the USAN and the USAAF, they were called "Dumbos" by the crews and the people who they rescued. The USAAF flew them in what was called "Emergency Rescue Squadrons", there is an example of one of them that was with the "Snafu Snatchers" in the USAF museum in Ohio if you ever get the chance to visit there. The USAAF called the Catalina the OA-10 as each of the services USN and USAAF had different names for the same aircraft.For a bit of interesting info on the USAAF "Dumbos" go to this site,
1st-7therspby.org and contact Chuck Dill at dill@dpc.net

Enjoy!
Johnny Signor
WeBeEmblems@aol.com

[JohnP]

Originally Posted by Inco

Hi -

I'm a Mother of a former Navy P-3 crew member (In-flight Tech/Ordnance etc), who passed away in 2007. I am trying to participate in and do things to honor his memory - as his five years in the USN were the happiest and most satisfying of his life. So from time to time, I will have questions and queries about odd and assorted military things I don't understand -and now can't ask him! So maybe some of you can share your knowledge out there with me.

But am particularly interested in anyone out there who EVER had anything to do with the PBY Catalinas at any time - back to when first built in 1940s, any place - USA or any other country, any experience - crew, mechanic, recued etc., anything you'd be willing to share.......since it was the pre-runner of the P-3 and my Son was interested in their history - and now me too.
Thanks.

My condolences to you for your son.

My father was an Airdale in the Navy back in the 40's and 50's and was tasked with recovery of the PBY's. He's got some great stories from the old days at NAS Galveston. He speaks highly of them and flew in a few "boon-doggle" missions to Old Cuba.

If I may recommend Wikipedia to start your search, there is extensive knowledge and information listed along with 12 external links for other sites to include the PBY Catalina International Association and the PBY Catalina Foundation.

[Bamaabiff]

My sincerest condolences to you for your loss.

I am not an expert on PBY Catalina's at all, but I did want to let you know that a Catalina was involved in the search for the missing Flight 19, and that Catalina also disappeared, although there was evidence that there was an explosion on board that coused it's crash. It is a very interesting footnote of the PBY Catalina's history, and one you might want to further explore.

[MOM]

Nice to meet you Inco, and I'm very sorry for the loss of your son.
It's good to have another mother here in the forum.