This aircraft was built by Gloster Aircraft during 1939. It first flew on about 20th October 1939. By May 1940, it was operational with 245 Fighter Squadron, based at Drem on the East Coast of Scotland, engaged on shipping protection patrols. It was crash landed on a beach in Dunkirk in 1940 after engaging two Messerschmitt 109s. It remained there until recovered by French enthusiasts in 1988. It was obtained some time later and, beautifully restored flew again on 19th June 2017

Originally a Canadian Air Force Canso (ex 11005), delivered in October 1943. It later flew in Canada as CF-NJF / C-FNJF, and in the summers of 1966 and 1968 it was leased to the French Sécurité Civile as F-ZBAY and F-ZBBD respectively. It was acquired by Plane Sailing Catalina Operations in late 2004 and based at Duxford. Seen here still being flown by them 13 years later, in the markings of USAAF OA-10A Catalina 44-33915.