VP-51 Notice
NOTICE: "...I am trying to find an official Navy Paint Scheme for the PBY-5A in use around 1945. It would be the solid dark blue scheme. Only one color and not the tri-color scheme. If there were a way to also learn what other markings were usually on the aircraft that would be helpful. I am in touch with a diecast aircraft model manufacturer who is willing to look into making a scale model but they need to be very accurate. My father flew PBY-5A's out of NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the end of WWII and became the director of Air-Sea Rescue, Hawaiian Sea Frontier prior to leaving. He was in transit to Pearl from the States when the Japanese signed the surrender. He is 82 now and can only remember that the aircraft was solid dark blue. If anyone could help direct me to a source for this information, I would be very appreciative. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [23JAN2006]
 "...I have learned that the proper paint scheme is indeed, the tri-color for the PBY-5A's. What I need now is to see if anyone has any detailed pictures of any of the PBY's present at Midway for the Battle of Midway. I need to see what markings were on the aircraft. I have several squadron numbers that were supposed to be represented at the Battle by PBY's. They are listed in this excerpt provided by one of you members:
Here is an excerpt from the book PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat by Roscoe Creed pg 102. regarding the Battle of Midway.:"The following day (May 22) the buildup began: the first six of twelve PBY-5As of VP-44 under LCDR Brixner arrived from Pearl Harbor to provide long-range patrol capabilities.. Small groups continued to wing in, a hodge podge of PBY's on temporary duty from VP-14, VP-23, VP-24, VP-51, VP-72 and VP-91. The seaplanes operated from Sand Island and the amphibians from the runways on Eastern Island.....". Note that Midway is made up of two islands Eastern and Sand. Thanks, John for that info.
Anything that anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated. I am on high speed internet so size of transmission is good up to about 3 or 4MB per message. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [26JAN2006]
NOTICE: "...I'm looking for information on LCDR B.E. Moore. He served with VP-51 from 1942 to 1943...Laird C. Moore shazam761939@yahoo.com..." [29SEP2004]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for anyone that may have served with a certain Cecil Ray Haycraft. He joined the Navy in 1930 and served through the late 1950's. He was an ACMM during WW2, and retired as a LCDR. He died in 1981. From what I've found, he served with VP-3 in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone in the late 30's. During WW2, he served with VP-73 as a plane captain, VB-105 as "Assistant Engineer", and HEDRON 5 in "Engineering". At the end of the War, through his retirement, he served with FAW-5, VP-51 and VP-92" at their Headquarters (not quite sure what that means, but that's what I've found.) I believe he participated transporting PBY's to the Soviet Union in 1944/45. If anyone may have served with him, or perhaps has them on a crew roster, a picture of him, knows about the lend-lease program to the Russians- I'm looking for any information you can give me! Appreciate the help!...LT Dave Schwind fco@laboon.navy.mil..." [14NOV2002]
NOTICE: "...I would like to hear from anyone that remembers a radioman by the name of Clyde B. Brown that was attached to VP-51. He was originally from the state of Ga. He was in the crew of the following members: Bob Quinn Ensign, William Johnston Ensign, Floyd Bergstrasser AP, John H. Lemley AMM 1/C, and Bernard Price MM 3/C...LEMLEY, John H. jhlemley54@hotmail.com..." [10FEB2001]
NOTICE: "...Interested in contacting and remaining members of VP-51 and VP-54 who served in the Pacific in WWII. My father LCDR William R. "Bill" Beswick any info appreciated...BESWICK, Pete GBESWICK@ec.rr.com..." [14OCT2000]
"VP-51 Summary Page"
|
