The Catalina Flying Boat in Australian Service During WWII

Name: The Catalina Flying Boat in Australian Service During WWII
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ISBN: 9781764193757

Don Williams

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English

Avonmore Books
01 May 2026

History; Second World War; Aircraft: general interest

The RAAF effort during the Pacific War was massive, with glamorous types such as Spitfires, P-40s, Beaufighters and Hudsons grabbing most of the attention. While the ungainly Catalina flying boat played an equally important frontline role in the conflict, its contribution remains largely unheralded. Catalinas had unique characteristics and were in the combat zone from the first day of the war to the last, serving in several key roles. From the earliest desperate weeks of the Pacific War, RAAF Catalinas serving as bombers were one of the few Allied types with the range to strike the key Japanese base of Rabaul. Catalinas also monitored the enemy advance up to the Battle of the Coral Sea and paid a heavy price at the hands of Japanese fighters. From 1943 the Catalina force began expanding, and eventually 168 of the flying boats were received by the RAAF. These made a major strategic contribution to the war over the next two years, undertaking a successful minelaying campaign that ranged throughout the Netherlands East Indies and beyond as far as the Chinese coast. Catalinas also provided the RAAF with a valuable air-sea rescue capability, while others serving with Qantas maintained what was the longest regular airline route in the world between Perth and Ceylon. This is a complete operational history of the Catalina in Australian service during WWII, during which 225 airmen lost their lives.

By: Don Williams
Imprint: Avonmore Books
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 250mm, Width: 176mm,
ISBN: 9781764193757
ISBN 10: 176419375X
Pages: 132
Publication Date: 01 May 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

About The Author Acknowledgements Glossary and Abbreviations Maps Introduction Chapter 1 – Aircraft that Float: The Flying Boat Chapter 2 – Northern Guardians: Australia Acquires the Catalina Chapter 3 – The RAAF’s Catalinas Described Chapter 4 – September 1939 – November 1941: Prelude and Preparation Chapter 5 – December 1941 – January 1942: Disasters and Defiance Chapter 6 – Late January – May 1942: Resistance and Retreat Chapter 7 – May 1942 – April 1943: Recovery and Resurgence Chapter 8 – May 1943 – August 1945: Victory and Vindication Chapter 9 – Other Tasks: Supporting Covert Operations and Air-Sea Rescue Chapter 10 – Maintaining a Critical Connection: the Civil Catalinas Chapter 11 – Prominent Catalina Aircrew Chapter 12 – The Verdict: Assessing the Catalina in Australian Service Appendix 1 – Catalina Deliveries to the RAAF Appendix 2 – Aircrew Losses Suffered by RAAF Catalina Units Appendix 3 – Targets Mined by RAAF Catalinas Sources Index of Personnel

Don Williams is a Melbourne-based aviation history author. This is his second title for Avonmore Books. Don’s previous career in environmental management relied on sound research and writing skills. These skills were further enhanced when he was awarded a PhD as a mature age student. Don also published evidence that identified the Royal Air Force squadron responsible for the death of Nazi Germany’s Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, the most senior German officer killed by enemy fire in World War Two.