Developed as a naval patrol aircraft, the Consolidated PBY Catalina was a widely exported flying boat during World War II.

"[2] Originally designed by Consolidated Aircraft as a patrol bomber with a long operational range, the PBY was soon adapted to fill a multitude of roles.

[7] With war planners becoming increasingly conscious to the possibility of a future conflict in the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Navy invested millions of dollars in the 1930s into developing flying boats.

In response, RAAF Catalinas (among other aircraft) formed a rapid evacuation service from Java for hundreds of evacuees who were ferried to the port of Broome, Western Australia.

[2] Concerned with the evacuations and seeking to limit Allied bomber activity, the Japanese attacked Broome on 3 March 1942, destroying eight Catalinas along with 14 other aircraft.

The attack led to a period referred to as the Western Australian emergency of March 1942, during which Catalinas were deployed to scout for a possible Japanese invasion force.

The American pilot later stated that the red markings of the standard RAF roundel (which was still used by the RAAF at that time) confused him into believing that the aircraft was Japanese.

RAAF mining missions were often conducted at night to minimize the risk of interception and were hazardous, with some aircraft flying as low as 200 feet (61 m) above the surface to perform an accurate drop.

[2] In 1944 RAAF Catalinas flew missions to the Philippines and laid naval mines in Manila Bay to interdict the Japanese navy and prevent their intervention in the Battle of Mindoro.

[16][17] Following the Surrender of Japan in September 1945, RAAF Catalinas were used to deliver medical supplies to liberated POW camps before flying survivors back to Australia.

On 30 August 1945 a flight of 9 RAAF Catalinas landed in Singapore bearing medical supplies and documents in preparation for the Japanese surrender, becoming the first allied forces to enter the island since 1942, days before the commencement of Operation Tiderace.