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| RAAF 3 OTU 8 Communication Unit 113 ASRF 11 Squadron |
Aircraft History Built by Consolidated. Constructors Number 1855. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PBY-5A Catalina bureau number 46491. Ferried overseas across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as PBY-5A Catalina Serial Number A24-92. On May 18, 1944 assigned to 3 Operational Training Unit (3 OTU). During November 1944 assigned to 8 Communication Unit. On November 10, 1944 took off piloted by Flt. Lt. Ian J. L. Wood and heard a "S.O.S." from B-25 pilot Warvel hit by anti-aircraft fire and ditched between Wewak and Muschu Island and rendezvous at 4,500' with eight DAP Beauforts from 7 Squadron that took off from Tadji Airfield to support the rescue. Arriving over Wewak, the eight Beauforts (A9-507, A9-356, A9-595, A9-599, A9-471, A9-364, A9-412, A9-461) dropped bombs on anti-aircraft positions on Cape Wom, Wewak Point and Cape Moem as part of diversionary attack while the rescue was attempted. Around 4:30pm Catalina A24-92 spotted the life raft approximately a half mile southeast of Muschu Island and made several circuits before landing roughly 200m from them near Cape Wom. Against orders, the crew shut down both engines in order to take all six aboard. The rescue was photographed using crew member Leading Airman Philip S. Lindsay personal camera, a gift from his wife. Before departing, one of the Americans used his pistol to sink the life raft. Safely aboard, the Catalina restarted both engines and departed the area. As darkness set in around 8:30pm they landed at Madang Airfield. Afterwards, the rescued crew were taken to a hospital at Madang and remained overnight. Afterwards, pilot Wood was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DFC) for this rescue. On May 5, 1945 this Catalina was assigned to 113 Air Sea Rescue Flight (113 ASRF). Postwar On October 28, 1949 assigned to 11 Squadron. As of April 1, 1953 stationed at RAAF Rathmines. On May 13, 1953 transfered to the Netherlands East Indies (N.E.I.) as P223 and SOC MLD April 15, 1954. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References ADF Serials - Catalina A24-92 WW2 Nominal Roll - Ian J. L. Wood, 414977 WW2 Nominal Roll - Philip S. Lindsay, 428859 AWM P00120.001 and AWM P00120.005 show the rescue documented in photographs via Philip S. Lindsay while the caption eludes to four or five being rescued, six were rescued. Lists the crew of Catalina as pilot Flt. Lt. I. J. L. Wood, 2nd Pilot W.O. A. V. Dawson, Observer B. W. Bentley, Engineer Fl Sgt J. W. Renwock, 2nd Engineer Flt Sgt J. Carwardine, WAG Fl Sgt Peter Fletcher, WAG Sgt D. N. Beaton, Rigger Sgt C. Thorsborne Rescue at Wewak (2000) by Hilarie Lindsay incorrectly lists the Catalina's unit AS 111th Squadron Air Sea Rescue Unit, rather it was not assigned until January 1945 Contribute
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