Short
S.23 Empire Flying Boat
Technical Information
Background
Built by the Short in Rochester, Kent United Kingdom. Prewar, several were sold to Qantas Empire Airways (QEA) for use delivering air mail. During World War II, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF ) impressed four into military service.
S23 "Centaurus" A18-10, ex G-ADUT destroyed
March 3, 1942 during the Japanese air -raid against Broome.
S23 "Calypso" A18-11, ex G-AEUA sunk off Daru, New Guinea August 8, 1942
S23 "Coogee" A18-12, ex VH-ABC, written
off in a landing accident at Townsville on February 27 1942
S23 "Coolangatta" A18-13, ex VH-ABB, carried
out many successful missions and were eventually returned to Qantas
in July, 1943.
S33 "Clifton" A18-14, ex G-AFPZ,
was impressed on March 9 1942. This aircraft had a strengthened
hull able to carry a payload of 53,000 lbs.
