During World War II, PBYs were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escorts, search and rescue missions (especially air-sea rescue), and cargo transport. The PBY was the most successful aircraft of its kind; no other flying boat was produced in greater numbers. The last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980's. Even today, over 70 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as an airtanker in aerial firefighting operations all over the world.
The initialism of PBY was determined in accordance with the US Navy aircraft designation of 1922; PB representing Parol Bomber and Y being the code used for the aircraft's manufacturer, Consolidated Aircraft.
In the U.S. this aircraft was called a Catalina and in Canada it was known as a Canso....
We are very fortunate to have been in contact with several individuals that served in the RCAF during World War II and on this page we want to try to tell their stories and share the photos of that time.
Canso PBY - 5A
- Click on any photo to view slide show -
