Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

PBY-5A Catalina Serial Number A24-104 Code NR-H

RAAF
11 Squadron
113th ASRF
111th ASRF
8 CU

Aircraft History
Built by Consolidated at San Diego. Constructors Number 1959. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PBY-5A Catalina bureau number 46594.

Wartime History
Assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Catalina serial number A24-104. On March 12, 1944 assigned to No. 8 Communication Unit (8 CU). On February 20, 1945 assigned to No. 111 Air Sea Rescue Flight (111 ASR) and operated from Madang Seaplane Base in Madang Harbor.

On April 27, 1945 took off from Madang Seaplane Base piloted by F/Lt. Cuthbertson (C. O. 111 ASR (Number 111 Air Sea Rescue Flight) with Flying Officer John Heness on a search mission to rescue an American crew. This Catalina landed at Nightingale Bay east of Wewak and rescued Ivan F. Brooks pilot of A-20G Havoc 43-21390 who had reached the shore and was rescued in his dingy and transported to Madang Harbor.

On June 18, 1945 assigned to No. 113 Air Sea Rescue Flight (113 ASR) with tail code NR-H.

Postwar
On July 15, 1948 assigned to No. 11 Squadron and used by ARDU with JATO units for trials. On July 7, 1950 assigned to Rathmines Seaplane Base.

On April 1, 1953 assigned to the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Marine-Luchtvaartdienst (MLD) as Catalina P-220. On August 21, 1956 stricken off charge. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

Memorials
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Amberley Museum & Restoration Facility is restoring PBV-1A Canso CV369 being restored painted in the markings of this aircraft.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - PBY-5A Catalina 46594
"46594 (MSN 1959) to RAAF as A24-104. To NEI as P220 in 1953."
NAA Number 111 Air Sea Rescue Flight - April 27, 1945 "Aircraft A24-104 (F/Lt. Cuthbertson) proceeded on Air Sea Rescue search to Nightengale Bay to endeavour to locate crew of U.S. Air Force Boston. Mission was successful and one survivor was rescued."
WW2 Nominal Roll - Allan Darling Cuthbertson

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019

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