This next volume in the Combat Aircraft series covers PBY Catalina operations and units in the Pacific war. The Pacific theater of operations is one that demands good long range reconnaissance and the PBY was just the right plane at the right time for US forces. It was able to not only scout out enemy shipping, but equally as important, to be able to tell where it wasn't located so Allied shipping could travel unmolested by surface forces.

Though designed as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft as well, it was only able to claim the sinking of one Japanese submarine, the RO-101.

Early in the war it was used as an attack bomber as well, thanks as much to its lack of need of a fixed runway as anything. As the war waged on, the need for the PBY moved over to air sea rescue and transportation of high priority parts and personnel. It was replaced in many of its roles by the PB4Y-1 Liberator, PV-1 Ventura and PBM Mariner, all aircraft that were faster and could carry a larger offensive load.

The author has divided the book into the various stages of the war, with a considerable emphasis on the first year of the conflict, when hard pressed PBY units were at their most active. There is also a section on the 'Black Cats, and one on Air Sea Rescue.

All of this is enhanced by quality period photographs and several pages of color profiles drawn by Jim Laurier.

It makes for an excellent addition to the series and I know you will find it to be as interesting a read as I.

October 2007

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