Being American, this was the fattest plane of all time and was repeatedly told to go on a diet.
William David March, e-mail, 24.07.2024 21:01
After surviving the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands as an Aviation Chief Ordnanceman's Mate on the Hornet CV-8, my Dad, James Donald "Pug" March, jumped at the opportunity to train as bombardier. Apparently he crewed with a PB2Y Squadron for the rest of the war. A few years ago I found a photo album with pics from WWII showing Him and Stan Mahoney (PB2Y pilot) and a few of his squadron mates, exploring buildings, small Japanese locomotives, wrecked vehicles, ruins, jungles, and sharing beers in what must have been a canteen on one of the re-captured islands. He and Stan kept in touch for years, and Stan sent us a copy of his self-published autobiography "I'm in Aviation NOW!" I don't know the names of any of the other Squadron personnel, just that at the beginning they flew overnight missions to attack IJM vessels that had been spotted in various anchorages around the Pacific, timing their arrival to catch the ships at first light. My dad also mentioned the crews used CARNUBA wax on the planes to reduce drag, and this reduced fuel consumption and gave them greater range.
I would be glad to send digital copies of photos I've scanned
William David March, e-mail, 24.07.2024 20:52
Greetings to all the PB2Y community! My Dad — James Donald "Pug" March — jumped at the opportunity to train as bombardier after surviving the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands as an Aviation Chief Ordnanceman's Mate on the Hornet CV-8. He had been assigned to the Hornet in spring of 1941, so he helped arm the bombers for launching the Doolittle raid, and was with the ship until she was sunk by U.S. Navy gunfire to prevent her capture by the IJN. He was one of only FIVE Hornet crew who survived to receive their medals, of her 35 sailors, officers and pilots awarded the Navy Cross for their actions in those two days of combat. I only learned all that a decade after he died at 81 years of age. He had retired as Commander after 29 years.
A few years ago I found a photo album with pics from WWII showing Him and Stan Mahoney (PB2Y pilot) and a few of his squadron mates, exploring buildings, small Japanese locomotives, wrecked vehicles, ruins, jungles, and sharing beers in what must have been a canteen on one of the re-captured islands. He and Stan kept in touch for years, and Stan sent us a copy of his self-published autobiography "I'm in Aviation NOW!" I don't know the names of any of the other Squadron personnel, just that at the beginning they flew overnight missions to attack IJM vessels that had been spotted in various anchorages around the Pacific, timing their arrival to catch the ships at first light. My dad also mentioned the crews used CARNUBA wax on the planes to reduce drag, and this reduced fuel consumption and gave them greater range.
I would be glad to send digital copies of photos I've scanned.
Joe, e-mail, 29.05.2023 05:58
I have a photo of what I believe to be a Coronado aircraft from WWII if you are still interested,
Aubi, e-mail, 15.11.2022 06:12
Does anyone remember a pilot at Alameda during the first part of the war by the name of DJ Hostetter? He flew a PB2Y-2 (rear admiral's standby barge) before that a B-25 I believe). I'm also trying to find out how many of that model were made and who the possible rear admirals. None of that part of his record still exists so I cant access any of his flight history.
Anonymous, 07.09.2022 17:08
The Coronado was intended to succeed the Catalina as the US Navy's patrol bomber. If WW-II had not started that is probably what would have happened. However, the Coronado was much larger, more complex and more expensive. The Catalina could do the same job and was cheaper and could be manufactured faster and in much larger numbers. Apart from that, the new Martin Mariner was becoming available as well, which was a twin-engine flying boat that could do everything that the Coronado could do. In addition, Consolidated was building PB4Y patrol bombers for the Navy, which were "navalized" versions of the B-24 Liberator. There simply wasn't enough need for the Coronado, and most of those that were built ended up being converted for use as cargo planes.
Bill Sewell, e-mail, 29.08.2022 00:53
My grandfather Bill Shaw was a mechanic and eventually a pilot in VP 13. If you have a picture that might be of him I would love to see it
Bill Sewell, e-mail, 29.08.2022 00:50
Hi,
I just saw your 2015 post regarding VPB 13. My grandfather was Bill Shaw who also flew with VP 13, later VPB 13 and am looking for information on his wartime activities, if you have any to share.
best,
Bill
Richard Gross, e-mail, 22.04.2016 02:54
Searching for information about a PB2Y crash in the South Pacific on March 16, 1942. A news article appeared in the Oakland Tribune newspaper on May 19, 1942 ("Piedmont Pilot Air Battle Hero")that as a navy machinist Jack Himes (21 age) took over the controls and crash landed into the sea after trying to destroy a Japanese cruiser. Himes and four others of the crew of eleven escaped with their lives. Does anyone have any information of this crash accident. If so, Please contact me - Richard Gross (rg12207va@gmail.com)
Rob Hemingway, e-mail, 21.01.2016 00:51
My dad flew the PB2Y during the war. The raid on Truk Island in the Pacific was the most terrifying raid he said he ever did. He told me he was blessed that he had terrific gunners. He loved that aircraft, though he said he didn't have the best maneuverability it was a great plane.
Tim Jones, e-mail, 15.08.2015 07:36
My father was Richard Weir. I believe he was in VP102 during the war. I have photos of him standing on top of a Coronado near the top turret. He was a Radioman but said on long missions everyone got a chance at the controls. He described missions that sounded a lot like the Wake Island raids. Dick went to work for Convair after the war, and later Lockheed. He passed in 2012. Anybody remember him? Please contact by e-mail - trjnsd@yahoo.com
Sean Hislop, e-mail, 01.07.2015 07:33
My grandfather, Jack Hislop, flew a plane called the Blue Goose. I was wondering if anyone had additional information on any of the crew members or knew their whereabouts? He passed away many years ago and we don't have a tremendous amount of information.
voodoo1200@hotmail.com, 30.06.2015 02:20
I am restoring an original Doering Bros PB2Y and need pictures of the rear Gunners post from the exterior....anybody have any pics?
Roger (Alyn) Wolf, Jr, e-mail, 27.02.2015 02:53
Chuck Nelson was able to contact me via my prior entry on this site. He called me yesterday, 25FEB15, and told me that he was the co pilot to my dad, Cmdr Roger A Wolf of VP-13 flying out of the Pacific in WW2. What a pleasant surprise that we were united after all these years. I was truly honored to speak with Chuck. I'm sure we will have many more war stories to share.
Chuck Nelson, e-mail, 25.02.2015 20:40
I was a pilot in VPB 13; co-pilot for Roger Wolf and I'd like to get in touch with his son listed above in comments. Can you get us connected? Thanks, Chuck Nelson
Hans Porter, e-mail, 08.02.2015 13:47
Hi all, i'm on the look out for Rc plans for this flyinboat also. If you could help me i would love to know! Many thanks..
Bill Shaw, e-mail, 08.01.2015 21:46
My grandfather Bill Shaw was a mechanic and eventually a pilot in VP 13. If you have a picture that might be of him I would love to see it!
Jena Moffitt, e-mail, 30.09.2014 05:11
My father-in-law, Eugene Moffitt was a member of VP-13. I think he was part of Crew 10 or Crew 16. He earned the DFC and the Air Medal with 7 gold stars. I have navy pic of 2 Betty's and 1 sinking ship. I a lot of snap shots of the camp at Ebeye, and many pictures of unidentified men. On photo says Artie,Shaw and Harrison. Does anyone recognize these names? Does anyone have a record of this crew? Don Kenny if you are still monitoring this site, I'd love to have the record you made of your brother-in-laws service. Eugene died in 2008, but I'd love to give his grandchildren the complete story of his service and heroism. Please respond
Russell J. Sheibels, e-mail, 12.10.2013 17:42
MY dad, Russell A. Sheibels flew the PB2Y in the South Pacific at the end of WWII. If you know of anyone that may have a story or two about him, please let me know. For those interested, the PB2Y at the Museum of Naval Aviation not only carried Adm. Nimitz to Tokyo Bay , that is the info I got at the museum , but was also once owned by Howard Hughes.
Monty Grimes, e-mail, 14.01.2013 18:19
I dove on a wreck of one of these just off of Ebeye Island at Kwajalein Atoll. It was only the nose section. It must have come apart on landing or takeoff.
georgie, e-mail, 21.12.2012 01:11
Hya does anyone know what colours and sqn used by the RAF ones, only ones ive seen have 1942 colours of blue gray uppers and light gray lowers, but im sure ive seen a picture of one in RAF coastal markings of gloss white undersurfaces, matt white sides and RAF light aircraft gray uppers can any one comfirm this? thanks
georgietrucker, e-mail, 21.12.2012 01:05
Does any one know what was the SQN marking were on the RAF ones? thanks.
Dick Wise, e-mail, 09.11.2012 18:26
I would like to know if the Coronado was based at RCAF Botwood, Newfoundland in May 1944 - does anybody know?
Peter Harvey, e-mail, 14.03.2012 05:24
Im an archaeologist studying the wreck of a PB2Y in Saipan wondering if anyone here can possibly help me with information about PB2Y crashes in Saipan ( Northern Marianas Islands)?
Roger Alyn Wolf, Jr., e-mail, 30.11.2011 05:19
My father, Commander Roger Alyn Wolf, Sr. piloted a Coronado in VP-13 during WW2. His plane was called the Jolly Roger. He was all over the Pacific having participated in the bombing of Wake Island, the Battle of Midway, and operations from the Marshall Islands and Eniwetok Island. I understand that VP-13 Coronados gunned down 5 Jap Betty bombers while operating out of the central Pacific. He also flew the plane that carried Navy Secretary Frank Knox over Pearl Harbor to survey the damage that occurred on that fateful day of 7 DEC 1941. After the war, Dad became a Navy test pilot when he tested the first jets for the Navy. He kept flying for the Navy up until the time of his death in an F9F Panther or Cougar jet on 1 OCT 1955. Would love to communicate with anyone that served with or knew my Dad. I was quite young when he died and my memories of him are quite sketchy.
George F.Nasworthy, CAPT.,USN, e-mail, 04.08.2011 22:45
I was a member of VP-102 which deployed out of Kaneohe though the Central Pacific ending up at Saipan in 1944 before being relieved.It was a comfortable,reliable. Some comment has been made about the inboard engines being equipped with four bladed props. I don't recall that. All engines were equipped with three-bladed props. One of the real pleasures was that the inboard props could be reversed which made making mooring buoys a breeze.
Kenneth Weller, e-mail, 05.07.2011 01:05
I have just returned from Pensacola, Fl. where the only remaing PB2Y now rest inside the Naval air museum after a 13 year restoration. My brother,Jack Weller was the radioman on this very plane.The only other two survivors of this plane was also in attendance for the dedication. They were, Leonard Braswell-flight engineer and Leonard Cowan-navigator. We all got to go inside the plane and it is a thing of beauty. I urge any one who is an aircraft enthusiast to see this plane. It rest inside the museum among other WW!! aircraft. By far the largest plane on display. This plane carried BU.#7099 and was the first plane to land in Tokyo Bay at the signing of the end of WWII. It carried Adm.Forrest P Sherman with Adm.Chester Nimtz landing right behind it.
Charles Raglan, e-mail, 18.04.2011 10:30
Hi Gang; There seams to be some confusion about how the two versions of the PB2Y are identified and what the letters and numerals stand for.
The XPB = Experimental Patrol Bomber, PB = is Patrop Bomber 2Y = Multi Engine by Consolidated 1-2-3 = the models as they wer3 developed. #3 was the last model bieng delivered when the war ended.
The Cargo plane was slightly different. PB = Patrol Bomber. 2Y = Multi Engine by Consolidated. 3R = The third modification by Rohr Aircraft.
In addition to the changes listed above, Rohr also removed the self sealing fule bladders in the wing and the de-icing boots from the leading side of the wings. We were staffed by a crew of 9. 3 Pilots and 1 Navigater. Our enlisted crew wa 2 Flight engineers, 2 Radiomen and a Steward. Our flights were from 12 to as high as 16 hours.Our passengers rarily exeeded 10 hi priority personel. On occasion we transported ambulitory wounded, and that is when we would carry as many as space and weight would allow. I;m sure that the differ4ences from thse stated, was do to the length and area of our flights. ( Alameda NAS to Subic Bay the Philippines ) and from Alameda NAS to Manus Island.) Hope this was not more than you are interested in, but it should clear up any misunderstandings, or questions.
Gene Mowrey, e-mail, 17.04.2011 03:24
I was sationed at Alameda Naval Air Station in July to October, 1945, on what was called Tarmac Duty, on my way to Pre-Flight school at St. Mary's College, near Oakland. I spent the whole time there in the Flught Engineering office of what I remember as Squadron VR-2, as a typist working on a draft for a new Handbook for Flight Engineers on what was probably the PB2Y. I worked for an Ensign Artner. There were two AMM1Cs in the office, who were instructors training the Flight Engineers. Seems like one of them was named Charles Hutto. (Boy, that was a few years ago.) I also assisted them in scheduling Flight Engineers on outgoing flights over the Pacific. Hitched a couple of rides (bounce hops) over the Bay, training for new pilots who were learning to fly under the hood. They gave me a microphone and seated me on the navigator's table, right behind the student pilot, and I anchored myself by hanging onto a cargo tie-down ring behind his seat. I looked out a window to my left, sighted along the propellor line, and kept a watch out for other aircraft and blimps, etc. which might show up. I was there at the end of the War, when the old birds started shedding their tails, and the flights were getting longer as the War zone approached Japan. I would be glad to hear from anyone who was in the Squadron at that time, or in the Tarmac unit. Oh, when I finally got to St. Mary's, in October, they sent us home on Inactive Duty. Had to pay for my own flying lessons when I got home.
Charles Raglan, e-mail, 15.04.2011 09:50
I was one of the first group sent to V-R2 (NATS )stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda , CA. At that time our total fleet consisted of 3 PB2Y-3's. I was assigned to Engine Buildup and it was our task to remove the 1830-88 engines and replace them with the 1830-92. When the navy decided to adopt the Pan American Airways system of long range cruis control, it was determined that one person with AMM rating in VR-2 would be sent with each chosen groupe from the Chicage Navy School,to attemd the Flight Engineers Training at Pan American Airways headquarters at LaGuardia Airport. I was the first to be sent from V-R2.
Very few people ever knew this airplane existed. I have a great deal of information pertaining to the flight Eng. duties and responsibilities, but have no idea who might be interested in it. If anyone has any questions pertaining to the PBY3R or where we flew to in the south pacific, I would be pleased to try to answer them.
raglan@aceweb.com
Tommie Stanaland, e-mail, 04.11.2010 02:43
I may be mistaken, but if not, the Navy Museum at Navy Pensacola has one that they are restoring. It is an amazing aircraft, and the people working on it are very special folks. One person working on a lathe gave me a quick tour August 2009.
Larry Hilbert, e-mail, 11.10.2010 21:47
I'm doing a paper on the XPB2Y1 and would like to hear from anyone with knowledge of this Coronado; crew member or family members, or sailors from VP-13 who saw it at Kaneohe
Harold Schatz, e-mail, 25.09.2010 23:30
How can I get in touch with Cwho left a comment on this arrticle about PB2Y3s. I flew these planes in the Marshall Islands in WW 2
Fran Williams, e-mail, 20.04.2010 12:37
Don Kenny, I am a guardian for a WWII Honor Flight to Washington April 30th. One of my veterens flew the Coronado and I would like to have a copy of your brother in laws squadron history to compare with his time. Who knows, they could be the same unit
Don Kenney, e-mail, 21.02.2010 20:43
My brother-in-law was an Aviation Ordance Man in VP-13 which flew the Coronado PB2Y's all through WWII. I have reconstructed the history of the squadron's action from its beginning to its decommisioning at the end of the war. It contains a beautiful picture of the plane. I would be glad to send a copy of this history to anyone who wishes it. My brother-in-law's name was Alwood Edwards from Beverly, Mass. He passed away in 2008.
Daniel Campbell, e-mail, 03.11.2009 03:36
I am looking for prints on this plane , to make an RC scale flying model! Can You Help? Thank you , Dan Campbell
Daniel F. Perschau, e-mail, 08.05.2009 04:18
Would like to know why the inboard engines were fitted with four-bladed props while the outboards had three blades. I have never seen that on any other airplane. I am a fan of all flying boats, especially the big ones.
Edward P. Stafford, e-mail, 29.04.2008 21:28
Where would I find a really good photo of this aircraft? Your virtual Museum is a wonderful resource> Thanks. EPS
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