To preserve the memory of forgotten PBY Catalina Pilots of World War II, documentary filmmaker Daniel Bunker is making ‘Return of the Catalina‘.
“The film documents the restoration of a Catalina and the subsequent flight from Spain to Australia to honor the men who reconnected Australia to England after the fall of Singapore,” says Bunker.
“The World War II flights were called ‘The Double Sunrise Flights.’ They flew for up to 32 hours non-stop, unarmed and without armor plating,” continues Bunker. “They were never recognized for their brave efforts, so this film is being made to preserve their memory.”
https://youtu.be/aFOAbdW-oeo
‘The Return of the Catalina’ will arrive July 17, 2015, as a feature-length documentary available on both DVD and Digital.
Double Sunrise Flights
From the Double Sunrise Flights YouTube trailer: “Overloaded with fuel and hunted by the enemy, these flights would break the air blockade of Australia and help win the war. The crews would see two sunrises on their flight, later calling them The Double Sunrise Flights. In total, 271 crossings were made across the Indian Ocean without any loss of life. A total of 858 passengers and 100 tons of mail had been flown for over 2 million kilometers. All across enemy territory, unarmed and without support. Feats still regarded today as some of the bravest in aviation history.”
Interested in the film? Order it at http://returnofthecatalina.vhx.tv and enter promo code: general aviation to save 50% off the purchase price.
A Catalina from Long Beach to Catalina Island in Southern California was one of my first remember able flights as young boy.
And the Alaska Aviation Museum’s Catalina is on display at the south shore of Lake Hood at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport…that will not be refurbished….if you ask. Good story enjoy flying it.
The Catalina is my favorite. There is a relic at the Anchorage Museum. I so admire the guys in your film for their work on the restoration. The look on the old mans’ eyes when he was back in the cockpit was priceless. Bob
I have some pictures of that (Alaska) Catalina when we attended the Alaska Aviation Trade show in 2005. One of my favorite aircraft also. I can send them if you want. Just need an email address.
John
Your name John Dittmer being the same as mine piked my interest. I am also an ex pilot during the 1960’s to the 1980’s
Milling address 1300 LCR 248, Colorado City Texas 79512
E-mail [email protected]
The first crew who figured out the double sunrise flights were the Dutch crew of 321 Squadron. From Exmouth Gulf to China Bay.
Kind regards
Gonna fly one of these beauties next month.
Can’t wait.