No. 6 Squadron
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Background
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) No. 6 Squadron operated the PBY Catalina in the South Pacific (SoPAC) during World War II.

Wartime History
On October 11, 1944 lost is PBY-5 Catalina NZ4013 damaged during take off from Segond Channel at Luganville Seaplane Base on a "Dumbo" rescue mission and during take off water looped, damaging the starboard float with the crew unhurt. Afterwards, towed by a U.S. ship but the damaged float collapsed and the aircraft capsized and sank in deep water.

On May 26, 1945 damaged PBY-5 Catalina NZ4020 while landing in the sea off Hobsonville Airfield, stalled and was damaged. Afterwards, towed by a crash boat to a mooring and was later written off.

On August 28, 1945 a PBY Catalina from No. 6 Squadron lands at Rekata Bay for a picnic and to inspect the former Japanese occupied area. On this visit, one member of the group LAC Leslie Angus Ellen, NZ441559 went missing. It was beileved he drown or was taken by a saltwater crocodile.

References
No. 6 Flying Boat Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force: Brief History by Jenny Scott

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?