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Cranston Fine Arts Aviation Art and Artists World War Two Veteran Signatures UK and Commonwealth B Belcher, M

M Belcher

Catalina pilot of No.259 Sqn based at Mombasa, carrying out patrols over the Indian Ocean

M Belcher - Signed Aviation Art

By Dawn's Light by Ivan Berryman. 2 of 4 editions available. 1 of 3 editions featuring up to 5 additional signatures are available. £2.90 - £115.00

Text for the above items :

By Dawn's Light by Ivan Berryman. The Consolidated Model 28 PBY Catalina was so successful in its definitive form that it went on to become the most extensively built flying boat of all time. Here, a 210 Squadron Catalina Mk IVA from RAF Sullom Voe, Shetland, has located two weary downed aircrew, drained but grateful after a long night in the North Atlantic swell.

Catalina Manufacturer : Consolidated Built : 3305

Catalina Built by the Consolidated Aircraft Company and designed by Isaax M Ladden. the Catalina first flew on the 28th march 1935. and first flew with the US Navy in October 1936. In 1935 the cost of each Catalina was $90,000 and just over 4,000 were built. The Catalina was used in various maritime roles. but it was designed initially as a maritime patrol bomber. Its long range was intended to seek out enemy transport and supply ships. but was eventually used in many roles including Convoy escort,, anti submarine warfare and search and rescue. In its role as a search and rescue aircraft it probably is best remembered for many thousands of aircrews shot down in the Pacific and less extend in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The Catalina was the most successful flying boat of the war and even served in a military role until the early 1980's some are still used today in aerial firefighting.

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M Belcher Squadron details

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