The Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat played an important role during WWII. Widely exported to various countries, the PBY-5 was in operation in Australia from the first day of the Pacific War until the last. The missions of the Catalina in Australian service were varied and extraordinary. This book examines all aspects of PBY-5 operations while in service with Royal Australian Air Force.

The text is compromised of twelve chapters, three appendices, a source list, and finally a personnel listing. A glossary with abbreviations and two pages of maps are also featured. Each chapter is supplemented with black and white photos, profile artwork, and captions. For a relatively short book, 105 pages of text, it is full of detailed and fascinating information. This is more of text book as opposed to a personal account, but it is not written in typical text book fashion. The author, Don Williams, keeps the reader engaged and moving through each chapter. He is succinct with his writing and many times I easily visualized what he was describing. Many chapters also feature short personal accounts that help the reader better understand what is being described.

If you have any interest in the PBY-5, the RAAF, or both I can highly recommend this book. The pages are full of fascinating information about the PBY-5, its Australian crews, and the vast expanse of Pacific Ocean it operated over during WWII. Thanks to Casemate for this review copy and to the IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity for this appraisal.