Sold a print of RNZAF PB2B-1 Catalina, Code GF-C NZ4025, early 1944.
This particular aircraft arrived in Fiji on 04 April 1944. It was declared surplus to requirements in 1951 and broken up at Hobsonville in 1952. Long-range patrols and reconnaissance flights were carried out from Lauthala Bay, Fiji by flying boats of No 3 Operational Training Unit.
Mike Henry, who bought the print, suspected it was NZ4017, the Catalina his grandfather, Flg Off A L Henry, flew as the first operational patrol (on 04/10/1943) for 6 Squadron from Segond Channel. On 04/02/1944 he rescued five survivors from a ditched B-24 south of Nauru Island (for which Flg Off D S Beauchamp was awarded the DFC).
Always nice when your art work can form a link to actual events & people. Thanks Mike.
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