CATALINA SQUADRONS: FIRST AND FURTHEST in LOGANLEA, Queensland for sale

Riddell, Jack.
CATALINA SQUADRONS: FIRST AND FURTHEST
Recounting the Operations of RAAF Catalinas from May 1941 to March 1943
Revised Edition Published February 1997. 60 pages ex-library softcover in clear adhesive plastic protected covers. Typical library stamps and markings. Illustrated with black and white photographs and maps. Squadron casualties, Decorations awarded with name and rank. Bibliography
406 grams
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Preface
By Group Captain Sir Richard Kingsland AO CBE DFC...An early Commander of No 11 Squadron RAAF
About time, I say.....About time that aircrew members other than pilots put pen to paper to tell us about the air war, such as the stories of the involvement of Catalinas in the South West Pacific in World War Two. Their crews performed what must have been some of the most demanding tasks in the history of aviation
They say pigs might fly. This is no more unlikely than Australia depending on a handful of Catalinas, designed for ocean reconnaissance, for its very Long Range Strike and Minelaying Force throughout the war
Members of Catalina crews welded themselves into unique teams. Each member was mutually dependant for his survival, each member an equal link in a chain to achieve operational efficiency
Their flying tasks were performed in very cramped conditions. This discomfort was multiplied by the flight endurance of the aircraft, anything up to twenty-four hours. Their ground duties, performed in primitive conditions in tropical bases around the Pacific, were no less difficult and stressful
This operational environment placed great demands on the perserverance of all crew members. What they lacked initially in experience in this cruel game, they made up for with courage and ingenuity
Night attacks by the slow ungainly Catalinas on heavily defended targets and minelaying from minimal heights in enemy harbours were daunting tasks for these young men. I knew of none that failed these trials
Jack Riddell's wartime service, which I saw in action, weaves through the story of these Catalinas. His name was aby-word for cool calm efficiency on difficultand dangerous missions, and in the long hours on duty on the ground. Who better to recount Catalina history?
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#17059
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