RESTORATION crews at Amberley have played a part in bringing back an historic aircraft to its original wartime glory after it was handed over to the Air Force.
The Rathmines Catalina Association (RCA) presented the US Navy PBY-5A Catalina Our Girl to History and Heritage – Air Force (HH-AF) during the aircraft’s 80th birthday commemoration celebrations last month.
Wing Commander Richard Dyson said it was a major restoration.
“The wings of the aircraft were discovered to have significant corrosion of their internal framework and lower surfaces, as water had soaked in over many years while Our Girl was grounded in Puerto Rico,” he said.
“Similarly, significant entry of water and debris into the fuselage had a similar effect on the hull integrity.
“The nose of the aircraft is being converted back to its 1943 configuration, with the installation of a bow gun turret well progressed.
“This turret was beautifully restored by the Directorate of Air Force Heritage’s Restoration Support Section at RAAF Base Amberley.”
Air Commodore Robert Lawson accepted Our Girl into the Air Force heritage collection on behalf of HH-AF and Air Force.
Built in 1943, Our Girl saw service with the US Navy during World War II.
RCA volunteers are restoring the aircraft to her original wartime configuration in support of HH-AF, while HH-AF’s Office of Air Force History is researching the livery in which to paint the aircraft.
RCA President Bill Anderson said the PBY-5A model of Catalina operated in Australia in large numbers between 1941 and 1945.
“Our Girl’s restoration and future display are important on several fronts. Our volunteers are maintaining and using skills learned over many years; the workdays provide an avenue for fellowship and an aid to men’s health,” he said.
“Our members, many with family ties to the Catalina squadrons, and the public at large, are experiencing the rebuilding of an aircraft that was a part of the defence of Australia,” Mr Anderson said.
Following its US Navy service, Our Girl spent significant time out in the open in Puerto Rico and, as such, is heavily corroded.
The restoration of Our Girl is expected to take about five years.
Once restored, HH-AF intends to publicly display the aircraft at the RAAF Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre as a memorial to the region’s Catalina operations during WW II.
