Pilot History
The pilot, George "Hutch" Hutchinson was an United States Navy (USN) pilot who was serving with the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia. At the start of the Pacific War, he volunteered to fly with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He flew missions including searching for the HMAS Sydney and a bombing raid against Truk. He became the first American killed in action in the New Guinea theater.

Aircraft History
Built by Consolidated as a Model 28-5MA at San Diego during 1941. Constructors Number 270. Purchased by Qantas Empire Airways (QEA). On August 18, 1941 departed San Diego on a delivery flight "K" to Australia using civilian call sign VH-AFK arriving at Rose Bay Seaplane Base on September 9, 1941 and that same day flown to Rathmines Seaplane Base.

On October 20, 1941 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAF) to 11 Squadron. On July 9, 1942 assigned to No. 20 Squadron. On April 5, 1943 assigned to 3 Operational Training Unit (3 OTU).

Postwar
On December 8, 1947 sold to J. Botterill & J. Fraser of Melbourne. Next on May 25, 1948 sold to R. Cobley of Melbourne and registered as VH-BEF.

During December 1948 sold to E. Daniels. Finally in 1950 sold to A. Taylor of Lake Boga and sometime afterwards broken up and sold for scrap metal.

References
ADF Serials - Catalina A24-10

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Last Updated
April 3, 2022