Short Sunderlands in Australian Service

Just prior to the war, on June 23rd, 1939, the Australian Government announced the purchase of nine Sunderlands, any by the end of July, six aircrew of 10 Squadron were undergoing pre-conversion training at the RAF Flying Boat Training School.
When the war broke out in September, the United Kingdom Government Dominion Office requested that the Australian crews remain in the UK with their Sunderlands, at the disposal of the RAF. The RAAF then formed up a complete No 10 Squadron in the UK, under RAF Coastal Command, to operate their new Sunderlands.
Please consider supporting this channel by subscribing at our Substack militaryaviationvideos.substa... - here you will get full transcripts and discussion for subscribers.
You can also support us here: raafdocumentary.com/support/
If you are looking for an aviation themed gift and want to support this channel, check out the Military Shop by using our affiliate link militaryshop.com.au/?ref=AMAHA and you can also use our coupon code AMAHA for a discount!
We are also affiliates with Airfix Models - please use our link prf.hn/l/meNMQn5
____________ Disclaimer ____________
Original footage and recreated scenes may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available.
Copyright disclaimer under fair dealing sections ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A,ss 42/103B of the Copyright Act which includes research, study, criticism, review, and reporting of news. Copyright remains with the respective owners. These videos are made for educational purposes only.
The Australian Military Aviation History Association is a not-for-profit association with the intent of recording, preserving and promoting Australian military aviation history.

[@xaero76]

I remember watching the Ten Eyewitness News in the 80s/90s, not sure exactly when... but the Weather Man, Ray Wilkie "William Raymond Wilkie" was talking about how he served on the Short Sunderland during the war... I think he said he was a navigator...
So, I had even more respect for him... sadly he passed away on 18th May 2023 (aged 98), Rest in Peace!

[@C0wCakes]

The artwork, by Robert Taylor, you have as the thumbnail for this video caught my eye. I have a limited edition print of it signed by multiple 461 Sqn aircrew, many of whom were Australian.
It depicts Coastal Command Sunderland, U from Squadron 461, Sinks German U-Boat, U-461 in the Bay of Biscay.
Great video by the way on this magnificent and important aircraft.
One of my old neighbours flew them with Coastal Command before being brought back to Australia where he flew Black Cat Catalina flying boat missions up into Singapore and Indonesia. He was as is often the case a quiet unassuming man giving little evidence of the incredible bravery he clearly exhibited flying such dangerous missions against Japanese Imperial Forces.

[@KurtBoulter]

The days of the large flying boats were numbered, but still today, they will forever hold a place in history, at a time when speed & agility, were not the most important attribute of a warbird.

[@brianwhetton9621]

I was a "baggy-arse" passenger in one during the '60's. Flew from Hobsonville to Wellington; landed at Evan's Bay in a howling northerly. Admire the pilot's & crew skills; no auto pilot in those days. We sat on mattresses in the hull, almost in the bilge.

[@fredflintstome6532]

Leftenant not Loo

[@fredflintstome6532]

@@camf7522 negative i've been a soldier for 32 years and its always been leftenant for Army and RAAF. Navy is Loo.

[@camf7522]

@@fredflintstome6532 well the army are always different!

[@Beniah107]

@@camf7522 you might want to consult an Australian before making such a false claim. ‘Lef’ tenant in Australian parlance, as per the UK.

[@maxwilkinson4378]

In memory of Phil Levy and #10 squdron, tbe 'First and the Las🎉
t' . RAAF Richmond to RAF Mountbatten and back to the Pacific.Gone but not forgotton!
MSW.

[@altaylor3988]

205/209 Sqdn R.A.F. were still flying Sunderlands at R.A.F. Seletar, Singapore in April 1958 when I returned to the U.K. after 3 years in the Far.
Two 205/209 Sqdn Sunderlands were involved in the Yangtze incident, the first got through and was able to off load supplies under heavy fire from Chinese land batteries, the second was unable to land however.
Bloody incredible bit of Kit, the 205/209 Sunderlands used to moor opposite West Camp on the Straits of Jahore.

[@306champion]

Thank you for a great bit of history. I've always had a great love of flying boats.
A couple of years back I bought a "Flying Boat" cap at the Lake Boga flying boat museum, later on the local librarian noticed it and asked "Whats a flying boat"? I couldn't believe she hadn't a clue, nor did she believe me.

[@justbrowsing6327]

Yes I love them also, amazing what those guys did during the war.
I bought a stubble holder and video from Lake boga, one of my favourites.
Must go back there one day.

[@gerardhogan3]

I always thought these aircraft looked absolutely great.

[@SPQRTempus]

I am surprised no mention was made of the Australian crew who successfully fought off no less than 8 enemy aircraft in their Sunderland only to be lost without a trace on a later mission.

[@RichardCummins-ni4em]

2.22 Bull Garing, later architect of RAAF / USAAF victory at Bismarck Sea.

[@peterwright217]

mmm, the beast

[@janlindtner305]

👍👍👍

[@user-dd9tc4zz8j]

‘Lootenant’ is uniquely American.

[@acumulas5827]

first

[@user-ys5rd6fs4m]

No one cares and stop it.

[@timothymclennan20]

Some say Tomato and some say Toomatoe anyway who cares.