Combat History

Operational & Combat History

Delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force on March 4, 1943, this PBY-5A Catalina was assigned to 162 Squadron and deployed to Reykjavik, Iceland. Designated as aircraft “S,” she served as a photo reconnaissance and U-boat hunter in the North Atlantic.

While on patrol, RCAF 9767 conducted:

• Anti-submarine activities and U-boat hunting
• Reconnaissance and scouting missions
• Rescue operations

Combat Report

Aircraft RCAF 9767, identified as aircraft "S", commanded by Pilot Flight Officer Tom C. Cooke, tasked with reconnaissance and U-Boat hunting - open sea. While flying RCAF 9767 at approximately 800 feet over the water on anti-submarine patrol spotted what looked like the wake of a submarine on the water's surface. Identified as German U-Boat, the submarine was located 65 degrees, 23 minutes North and 29 degrees, 20 minutes West. RCAF 9767 immediately transitioned to attack U-Boat as the submarine opened fire from approximately 3000 yards away. Flew evasive action and turned to attack the German U-Boat from 1200 yards. Began firing from both nose guns, silencing the U-Boat's guns. Due to limited ammunition, both nose guns stopped firing at approximately 300 yards from the target. Fortunately, the nose guns deterred any additional firing as the final attack run was made without a shot fired. RCAF 9767 dropped three 200 lbs depth bombs on U-Boat with first charge falling close to the starboard side and the remaining two charges fell in the water on the port side of the submarine. Observers to the attack indicated that the U-Boat was sitting lower in the water after the attack. Crew flew two additional attack runs trying to launch a torpedo at U-Boat. However, the crew could not get the torpedo to release. After observing the U-Boat, the torpedo was not needed as within minutes after the depth bomb attack there was an explosion forward of the U-Boat conning tower at the water's surface. Multiple pieces of wreckage could be seen floating on the water's surface surrounded by countless air bubbles and thick traces of oil. Many hours later the oil on the water's surface appeared to measure more than 600 by 200 yards and continued to increase as time clicked by. Attack and sinking confirmed through gun-camera footage.

Theatre: North Atlantic | Squadron: RCAF 162 | Pilot: F/O Tom C. Cooke | Target: U-342 |Location: 65°23′N, 29°20′W