PBY Catalina Union Jack Rocks Glass

Sale price$11.99 USD Regular price$14.99 USD
Save $3.00 USD

Tax excluded.


The Consolidated PBY Catalina was a long-range flying boat and amphibious aircraft used extensively by the RAF, RAAF, and RCAF in maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and air-sea rescue roles. The RAF began operating the Catalina in 1941 under Lend-Lease, designating them Catalina Mk I to Mk IV. Over 700 served with Commonwealth forces, with notable squadrons including No. 210, 240, and 262 Squadrons RAF.

Catalinas were crucial in the Battle of the Atlantic, helping to close the mid-ocean air gap and detect or sink German U-boats. One RAF Catalina from No. 209 Squadron, piloted by Flying Officer Leonard Trigg, famously spotted the Bismarck on 26 May 1941, leading to its eventual sinking.

The RAAF operated over 160 Catalinas, notably with Nos. 11, 20, 42, and 43 Squadrons, performing long-range bombing, minelaying, and reconnaissance in the Pacific. They were known for “Black Cat” night operations, including covert missions and evacuations.

The RCAF employed Catalinas (called Cansos) for North Atlantic patrols, with units like No. 5 and No. 162 Squadron RCAF flying from Newfoundland, Iceland, and Scotland.

Catalinas served throughout WWII and well beyond in RAAF and RCAF roles into the 1950s.