Customer Reviews

PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a retired PBY pilot. The account of the role of the Catalina during WW2 was well done. The narrative made me proud to have been a small part of it.

I read this because my great-uncle flew these with the Canadians during WW2, and he died long before I became interested in my relatives' contributions to the war effort. Not only does it pay great tribute to the aircrew that flew the PBY variants during the war, but it also gives some fascinating history on early aviation, particularly the evolution of the flying boat.

Excellent book, very well researched and clearly and concisely written. If you are interested in PBYs and flying boats specificly or World War II military aircraft generally, I strongly recommend this book. Great for history of the development and use of the plane as well as great stories about the men who flew her and her various missions and roles, both in combat and in civilian use after the war.

I have basically just started the book, but so far its quite interesting and easy to hang on to the story. The history has been thoroughly researched and Mr.Creed unfolds it in an entertaining and stimulating way.
He charts the developement of Consolidated, the company that built the flying boats, from the day the founder was born, and goes prototype by prototype from the first planes Reuben Fleet designed and fostered on his own, to the years leading up to the flight of the Company's first flying boat protoype in 1929. And thats only the beginning of Chapter 2.

It goes on to tell the story of the PBY Catalina through World War 2 and beyond.It follows many of the exploits, missions, roles, changes, and developments that formed the history of the plane and most importantly the people who flew it and the lives they helped to save.

It has black and white photos with captions throughout the book, along with appendices containing line drawings,and additional info and data on the PBY and its various incarnations. I think its detailed enough and well written enough to satisfy history and aviation entusiasts, especially those who are fans of this particular flying boat.
I don't think anyone will be disappointed with this book.

A story of boys just out of high school making a legendary airplane do things it wasn't designed to do while rescuing downed flyers, sinking Japanese warships and supply ships and otherwise wreaking havoc with their Black Cats.

This book preserves for history the story of the PBY Catalina airplane and the men who crewed them around the world during WWII and brings the history of the plane right up to its present museum status. A great book for WWII history buffs and in my case, one constructing a model of the airplane while gaining perspective on its role and persona.

I was in VP671 Reserve Squadron in Atlanta, GA. in 1952-53 and love that plane. The book told me a lot more about the plane and I also found that my Squadron was the last one to fly the PBY in active duty in the US.
Keith D. Laube

This book is a detailed manuscript on the PBY Catalina flying boat, from its initial inception, to its activities in all theatres of the Second World War. It is quite thorough, and easy to read.

Nice Book about a very nice and importend plane.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I just wish the book contained more photos. I do recommend the book.
After you buy the book, please get a WWII PBY pilot/crewman to autograph it before they are all deceased!