The Catalina in Finisterre

The transatlantic crossings by RAF Flight Sergeant Alan Rodgers in World War II were nothing like oceanic travel today.  In a comfortable seat in a fast jet these days we can cross this ocean in 7-9 hours.

Alan Rodgers was a member of RAF Ferry Command.  He made 10 transatlantic crossings for the service during the war. West-bound they would either be by ship or air, the latter probably in an unpressurized Liberator or Lancaster bomber, wrapped for warmth against the freezing cold.  East-bound he was flying in a Consolidated PBY ‘Catalina’ flying-boat from Elizabeth City, North Carolina first to Bermuda then on the much longer leg to Scotland. 

 

 

An RAF crew in front of a PBY Catalina of No. 210 Squadron (Wikicommons).  Note the window in the nacelle area between the wing and main fuselage, the position of the Flight Engineer.