My father was based at Bluie West One in Greenland and had lots of stories about flying as an observer in a PBY Catalina (he was a weather forecaster) including one I've heard any times about getting knocked out by that bubble hatch on top.  I think these were Navy planes.  Any Catalina pilots out there?

The Sarge's Daughter

if your looking for Navy Patrol aircraft pilot who flew Cats..best bet is here: http://www.vpnavy.com
 
Good site as I have posted mishaps here on patrol aircraft over the past few years..
 
Terry T.

Sarge's Daughter,

Although originally developed for the U.S. Navy where it was designated the PBY,
the Army Air Force also had some in their inventory and they were re-designated
OA-10A-VI's but retained the Catalina name. If you want a little more information
on the Catalina in AAF service you might start with (Detachment 'B'), 5th Emergency
Rescue Squadron which was based in England during the war and attached to the
65th Fighter Wing where it was posted to both Halesworth and Boxted airfields.

RW

It was no unusal for USAAF personnel to fly with Navy patrol acft as observers of even as temporary crewmen. Since your father was in Greenland, it most likely was a Naval Patrol squadron flying PBY Catalinas. which were stationed there during and after WWII.
 
Terry T.

NAF Narsarssuak, Greenland.
USCG VP/VPB-6 operated from Bluie West -One BW-1 from 6 Oct 1943 untill  Aug 1945. Flew Air Sea Rescue missions & had 12 PBY Catalinas.
 
Terry T.
 

I had the good fortune of being able to attend the dedication of a new plaque at the Air Force Museum in Dayton today.  The plaque is for the 1st and 7th Rescue Squadrons.  There were about 10 original members there with their families.  I am sure in a few days Bonnie Farmer (bonnielou) will respond back to you as well.  Her father was a radio operator in Catalinas, and his pilot and co-pilot are both still alive. 
 
Bonnie and her father were there as part of the squadrons reunion and the dedication, so she may not have internet access for a few more days.
 
The guys I met seamed like they would have some very interesting stories.
 
Marty

Hello, to enliven this thread
Does anyone out there know which PBY Catalina/OA-10A they used for the movie "Steelyard Blues"?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070731/

Martin

Intersting thing about USAAF OA-10A's they were not Consolidated built PBYs..they were built by Canadian Vickers and were designated PBV-1A.  USAAF OA-10B's (75 built) were PBY-6A's, 6A had the tall tails (fins)
 
Terry T.

Marty:

   Thanks for the great post about the guys.  I have not monitored the boards for a long while.  Did you happen to take any pictures at the dedication?  I would love to post them on the web site with the others I have.  I am slowly getting them together for the site.

  We had another reunion in Peoria Il in June.  We have lost a few more since last year and Chuck the guy who designed the plaque is ill.  I suppose it is the last.  THanks for coming.

Bonnie Farmer