THEY were a band of bold aviators, bravely reconnecting Australia to England after the fall of Singapore — and with it the loss of a vital air route — during World War II.
Australian Catalina pilots provided a lifeline across enemy territory in unarmed aircraft, flying for up to 32 hours, in missions dubbed Double Sunrise Flights.
The unsung heroes achieved what many thought impossible: reconnecting an empire on the brink of collapse.
But, despite their vital contribution, their brave efforts were not officially awarded.
Now, 70 years on, their story is finally being told. Return of the Catalina is a feature-length film following the work of a group of aviators as they restore a 70-year-old flying boat and pilot it from Spain to Longreach in outback Queensland to honour the wartime pilots.
The movie, the work of Aussie filmmaker Daniel Bunker, will premiere at Lake Boga on August 22.
Renowned Australian aviator Dick Smith will introduce the 105-minute movie on-screen, while lucky filmgoers will also get a free tour of the museum and the PBY Catalina — the same model of aircraft as featured in the picture.
Lake Boga Catalina Museum manager Daryl Allen said the film followed events of about three years ago and was premièring on a major anniversary of one of the original flights.
“The last plane came back to Australia about three years ago; and it’s the 70th anniversary of a top-secret mission this year,” he said.
The movie premiere will take place at Lake Boga on August 22 at a cost of $25 a head, with drinks and finger food available from 6.30pm.
The theme of the evening will be 1940s dress or formal wear, with only one screening planned at this stage.
There are just 48 tickets available, so get in quick by calling the museum on 5037 2850.
For more Boga news, pick up a copy of today’s paper (Friday, August 7).
