Description:

PBY AVIATOR'S FLIGHT BOOK AND PHOTOGRAPHS
A fine grouping of material from Navy Patrol Plane Commander Lt. Robert J. Erlandson, including his war-date Aviator's Flight Log Book and 21 war-date photographs. The log book, approx. 20pp. 8vo., commences Sept. 19, 1942 at the U.S.N.R. base in Clathe, Kansas with extensive flight training at that base and at Corpus Christi, most in PBY5s, with hours flown, passengers, plane numbers, etc. all noted. In February, 1945 Erlandson flies to Kaneohe, Hawaii for further training in bombing runs and gunnery practice (running off the runway once when his brakes failed), then in April is sent to Truk and Munda to undertake patrols. Flying a PB4Y, Erlanson first sees action in May: "...Shot 1 Jap who was Sunday afternoon fishing at Satawan...investigated Pulawat...Satawan raid - 3 Zekes [Zeros]phosphorus bombs 1 zeke made ahead - on run...possible enemy sub...bombing near Borpop...'Lucky Lady' crashed..." As the war progressed for Erlandson, he saw action on a regular basis: "...night bombing start...sqdn has 10 Jap planes now - 1 Tess today...bombed Fox & Tare Charlie. No damage to us. Left smoking. Ret'd on 3 engines...missed a Betty...bombed Tobi...carrier raid on Palau...Morata I landing (Celebes)...ret'd on 3 engines...searched for downed PBM (eye of typhoon)...looked over landings on Leyte, Philippines...bombed tanker...crew strafed. 2 hits on fox tare charley off Panay. Left sinking on fire...". On Nov. 30, 1944 Erlandson returned to Hawaii and apparently finished his service to his country in 1952. The 19 photos (various sizes) include largely images of the crews of various patrol craft and bombers, most in tropical settings, one in Okinawa, one signed by Erlander's crew as well. Also included is a printed copy of Adm. Ernest J. King's report to the Sec. of the Navy (stained), and airplane navigational aids for the Hawaiian Area, restricted, July 1, 1945. Overall very good.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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