RAAF Black Cats

Name: RAAF Black Cats
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781760633066
Price: 37.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

The secret history of the covert Catalina mine-laying operations to cripple Japan's war machine

By John Suter Linton and Robert Cleworth

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Summary

RAAF Black Cats by John Suter Linton and Robert Cleworth delves into the historical account of the Royal Australian Air Force's involvement during World War II. Focusing on the operations of Catalina flying boats, the book explores the daring and covert missions carried out by these aircraft and their crews in the Pacific. It shines a light on their strategic importance and the challenges faced during wartime.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$37⁹⁹

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RAAF Black Cats

$37⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the role of covert operations and surveillance during World War II, particularly through the lens of Australia's unique contribution. It captures gripping historical accounts, blending military strategy with personal stories that bring the past to life, making it ideal for history enthusiasts who appreciate a well-told tale of bravery and innovation.

RAAF Black Cats

The secret and dangerous operations of Australia's Pacific War Catalina crews told for the first time.

Description

In March 1945, Reg Cleworth, a navigator on PBY Catalina seaplanes flying out of Darwin, went missing in action. No details were ever given about the incident that took his life, nor the reason his plane went down. For Reg's younger brother, Robert, the news came as a fulfilling prophecy. The last time they saw each other, Reg confided in Robert, 'I don't think I'm coming back'.

Forty years later, Robert decided to investigate what happened to his brother. What he uncovered was an extraordinary story of a covert Australian airborne mine-laying operation in cooperation with the US Seventh Fleet to disrupt the Japanese supply routes. One of the riskier and more dangerous RAAF undertakings of the Pacific War, secrecy restrictions were imposed on everyone involved. They were never formally lifted.

Had it not been for a chance meeting that allowed Robert access to previously unopened files in the US national archives, this remarkable story may never have been revealed. What he unearthed highlighted the sacrifice and achievements of the RAAF Catalina crews and the vital role they played in MacArthur's strategic plan for the south-west Pacific.

Absorbing, compelling, and powerfully told, RAAF Black Cats is an important addition to our understanding of Australia's role in the Pacific War.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760633066

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 394g

Pages: 288

Collections

Australian & Pacific History Education & Reference History & Military John Suter Linton Military History Non-Fiction Robert Cleworth

About the Author

Robert (Bob) Cleworth MPhil has compiled five books, one on Australian War Graves and Missing Australians, in addition to three publications on the work of RAAF Catalina Operations in World War II. He was, for a number of years, Secretary of the Catalina Association of New South Wales.

John Suter Linton has worked extensively in the print and electronic media as a journalist, feature writer, researcher, scriptwriter, editor and producer. He is also the author of six true-crime novels.