Short Sunderland- The flying porcupine

17

One of the most outstanding British seaplanes during the Second World War was the Short Sunderland flying boat. It was a heavily armed long-range naval patrol flying boat that earned its reputation as a ‘the flying porcupine’ as it was called by the Germans…….

G-ADHL Canopus was the first Short S.23 C-Class civil flying boat and the direct predecessor of the Sunderland.
G-ADHL Canopus was the first Short S.23 C-Class civil flying boat and the direct predecessor of the Sunderland.

Development and early testing: On 4 July 1936 the first of the civil Short S.23 C-Class flying boats made its first flight. In total 39 of these flying boats were built for Imperial Airways and Quantas. These all-metal flying boats were at that time masterpieces of aeronautical engineering and offered fast transcontinental air travel. Passenger transport by plane as we know it today was far from imminent those days and only The Rich could afford this type of exotic travel. However, it was advertised as the most luxury means of fast transport and that was definitely not exaggerated! With the political situation already changing it was soon evident a military version would follow soon for long-range ocean patrol missions.

The Sunderland prototype K4774 in flight.
The Sunderland prototype K4774 in flight.

In fact this militarised version of the civil flying boat flew little than a year later, in October 1937. It was Short’s answer on the naval Specification R.2/33 which called for a 4-engined monoplane to succeed earlier biplane types like the Short Singapore. Short was not the only company in the race for the new Spec. R.2/33 flying boat. Also Saunders Roe built a prototype for evaluation as the A.33. However, the A.33 had serious structural problems during the evaluation trials and the Short flying boat, known as the S.25, was a clear winner.

The looser of the Spec. R.2/33 long-range patrol flying boat competition; the Saunders-Roe A.33 K4773.
The looser of the Spec. R.2/33 long-range patrol flying boat competition; the Saunders-Roe A.33 K4773.

The S.25 prototype, with R.A.F. serial K4774, made its first flight on 14 October 1938 with John Parker as pilot, Harold Piper as co-pilot and George Cotton as flight engineer. The first flight lasted 55 minutes and was followed the same day with a second flight of the same duration. The name selected for the new military flying boat was ‘Sunderland’. It was powered by four 950 hp Bristol Pegasus X nine-cylinder radial engines. After its first test flights its wings were adapted to give a slight sweep back and more powerful Pegasus XXII of 1010 hp were fitted before it was handed over for service evaluation trials.

Sunderland Mk. II W3983 at sea.
Sunderland Mk. II W3983 at sea.

In spite of the fact the prototype was in October 1938 damaged during high-speed taxiing on the Solent river, a first order was placed for 11 Mk.I Sunderlands (with R.A.F. serial nos. L2158-L2168). They were delivered between April and August 1938. They were followed by another 53 Mk.I’s, the last one being delivered in March 1941. The Sunderland was much more than just a military version of the S.23 C-Class flying boat. The whole fuselage had to be extensively modified  with the cockpit section (or ‘Bridge’ as it was called in true navy tradition) placed backwards to make room for  a nose gun turret installation. A second turret was placed in the tail. On the dorsal part of the fuselage (undoubtedly called ‘The Deck’ in navy terms!) there were two removable small hatches providing room for two additional board guns. The first operational Sunderland, no. L2158, made its first flight on 21 April 1938. It was followed by L2159 on the same day and together with the prototype K4774 they were tested at Felixstowe for operational suitability. All went quite well and L2159 set in the late spring of 1938 an impressive performance by flying from Pembroke Docks in the U.K. to Singapore. Pembroke Docks-Gibraltar, 2012 km, was flown in 8 hours. The flight was continued to Malta, Alexandria, Habbaniyah, Bahrein, Karachi, Gwalor, Calcutta, Rangoon and Mergui to end at Seletar (Singapore) to be handed over to No. 230 Squadron in exchange for an old Singapore III flying boat that was ferried back to Britain. More Mk.I Sunderlands soon found their way to the various R.A.F. squadrons for long range maritime patrol missions. It could stay airborne as long as 14 hours with a crew of ten. At that time, well before the outbreak of the Second World War the Sunderland was the largest operational military flying boat in the world! Armed with in total seven riffle-calibre machine guns and with 900 kg of bombs or depth charges it was not only used for defensive patrol and search-and rescue missions at sea, but later also as an active U-boat hunter. Later versions would be armed with additional machine guns. Although the interior of the Sunderland was very roomy with more than enough space for its crew including a sleeping place, kitchen and water closet the whole interior was quite basic without much further luxury. In general the Sunderland had an excellent service record with a good reliability. It was sturdy, easy to fly, easy to maintain and liked by its crews.

Sunderland Mk. III ML778 during a start.
Sunderland Mk. III ML778 during a start.

Versions: After the introduction of the Mk. I, an improved Mk. II soon followed with the first one supplied in November 1941. Although it had the Pegasus XVIII engines rated at only 965 hp, this engine was fitted with a two-speed supercharger giving it the possibility to start with a higher all-up weight. Also new was the replacement of the dorsal double hatches with the open gun positions for a closed gun turret with more ammunition. The single gun in the nose turret was replaced by a double gun. The Mk. II was built until December 1942 at a total number of 66.

Short Sunderland Mk. IV MZ269 was in fact the first Seaford prototype. The photo was taken in April 1945.
Short Sunderland Mk. IV MZ269 was in fact the first Seaford prototype. The photo was taken in April 1945.

The Mk. III was introduced in August 1942. It had a faired main step to improve speed and range. Although the armament remained unchanged a number of Mk. III’s were fitted with an additional four fixed 12.7 mm machine guns in the front fuselage that could be operated by the pilot. It was a typical and effective counter-measure for the U-boat anti-aircraft guns of 20 and 37 mm. In practice these guns proved to be very effective during direct U-boat gun attacks to ‘clear the deck’ of the enemy vessel!

Another shot of Seaford MZ269 at the moment it is leaving the water.
Another shot of Seaford MZ269 at the moment it is leaving the water.

Some Mk. III’s were fitted with an A.S.V. Mk. II (Air-to Surface-Vessel) radar equipment for U-boat detection. These Sunderlands all carried the characteristic 4-mast array at the rear of the top fuselage. Many Mk. III’s were later converted to Mk. V standard including an engine change to the R-1830 Twin Wasp.

Two Sunderlands in flight with GR.V SZ576 on the foreground. The ASV radar housings under the wings are clearly visible.
Two Sunderlands in flight with GR.V SZ576 on the foreground. The ASV radar housings under the wings are clearly visible.

The Sunderland Mk. IV was so extensively changed that it received a new type designation as Short S.45 and even a new name: the Seaford. The prototypes MZ269 and MZ271 flew by the end of the war, fitted with much more powerful Bristol Hercules XIX  engines of  1750 hp each. Externally it also differed from the Sunderland by a much larger vertical tail including an extra fillet. It was only built in small numbers and only 8 of the 30 production models were actually delivered after the war. However, a number were converted as commercial flying boats for B.O.A.C. as the Short Solent.

Sunderland Mk V SZ568 from No. 235 OCU (=Operational Conversion Unit).
Sunderland Mk V SZ568 from No. 235 OCU (=Operational Conversion Unit).

The last Sunderland manufactured was the Mk. V. Structurally it was not much different from the earlier versions. However, because the Pegasus engines were most of the time used at full operational power, engine wear was considerable. To improve this a new type of engine was selected that was more durable and reliable at full operational power: the U.S. Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90B  Twin Wasp with a power output of 1200 hp.  Not all Mk. V’s were fitted with the dorsal turret; at a number of machines the turret was replaced by the original double hatch. Some dozens of earlier Mk. III’s were later retrofitted with Twin Wasps as the Mk. V. An A.S.V. Mk.IV or VI double radar antenna  was carried as standard equipment in two streamlined fairings under the outer wings. This device was also retro-fitted on some Mk. III Sunderlands.

Rear view of Sunderland Mk.V prototype ML765 on the slipway. This picture was taken in March 1944. Note prototype marking on the rear fuselage.
Rear view of Sunderland Mk.V prototype ML765 on the slipway. This picture was taken in March 1944. Note prototype marking on the rear fuselage.

Into operational service: At the outbreak of the Second World War a few dozens of Sunderland had already found their way to the Coastal Command. No. 210 Sq based at Pembroke Dock and No. 230 Sq at Singapore were the first squadrons where the Sunderland was operational. More operational squadrons soon followed. Earlier the Sunderland had already made headlines in the newspapers when on 21 September 1939 two aircraft of Nos. 204 and 228 Sq. rescued the entire crew of the torpedoed merchant ship Kensington Court. In fact this was the first rescue mission of its kind in history!

Sunderland Mk.V NZ4108 was flown by the RNZAF.
Sunderland Mk.V NZ4108 was flown by the RNZAF.

During the first months of the war Sunderlands were progressively introduced to replace older biplane flying boats like the Singapore. Loaded with bombs and depth charges it soon became extensively involved in various war theatres as an active U-boat searcher and destroyer and it was deployed over the whole WW-II period. Sunderlands scored quite a lot of U-boat kills.

Sunderland RAAF close-up at Sydney, Australia while being anchored. The nose turret could be retracted to make room for an anchor place.
Sunderland RAAF close-up at Sydney, Australia while being anchored. The nose turret could be retracted to make room for an anchor place.

Over the period 1940-1944  Sunderlands damaged or sank not less than 43 German U-boats and another 12 from the Italian navy. Sunderlands fought out direct gun battles with enemy submarines at the cost of ten Sunderlands being shot down by heavily armed U-boats. With its heavy defensive armament these was far from helpless when attacked by enemy planes.

Sunderland RAF of No. 205Sq on the ramp at Seletar (Singapore(Wikipeda).
Sunderland RAF of No. 205Sq on the ramp at Seletar (Singapore(Wikipeda).

The Sunderland earned its German nickname ‘das fliegende Stachelschwein’ (the flying porcupine) not without good reasons. One Sunderland was attacked by six Ju-88’s in April 1940 when escorting ships during the Norwegian campaign. It managed in shooting down one, damaging another and fighting off the rest. However, this was not the only encounter with German aircraft. Also an Arado Ar-196, a Macchi MC.200, a Bf-110 and some more Ju-88’s were claimed by Sunderland gun crews. On another occasion in North Africa a Sunderland was attacked by four Curtiss Mohawk (!) fighters from the French Vichy air force. Although in a number of cases Vichy pilots refused to shoot at Allied planes, this group was a little bit more aggressive. The Sunderland was hit many times and some crew members were wounded but they managed to shoot down two, damage another and return home safely. Normal tactic for a Sunderland pilot when attacked by enemy fighters was to descend to water-level to protect the vulnerable hull from being riddled with holes and fight it out. Sunderlands with damaged hulls set their planes at some occasions on a beach after aligning in the water. At one occasion a Sunderland pilot even landed on land to prevent sinking of his battle-damaged plane. When the war was ended, it was not yet the end of the operational life of the Sunderland. They were even used during the Korean War and were finally phased out in 1961 when they were replaced by the Avro Shackleton.

RNZAF Sunderland farewell at Corregidor in 1963 with an escort of a RNZAF Neptune and a U.S. Navy Martin Marlin (Wikipedia).
RNZAF Sunderland farewell at Corregidor in 1963 with an escort of a RNZAF Neptune and a U.S. Navy Martin Marlin (Wikipedia).

The Sunderland was the last R.A.F. flying boat to be operational. Already in 1940 work was started on a successor of the Sunderland as the S.35 Shetland. Being some 50% larger than the Sunderland it made its first flight on 14 December 1944, but only two prototypes were built; DX166 and DX171. Although one Shetland flew with civil markings as G-AGVD, airlines were not interested and both prototypes were finally scrapped.

Short S.25 Sandringham LN-IAU Bamse Brakar from Norwegian Airlines DNL.
Short S.25 Sandringham LN-IAU Bamse Brakar from Norwegian Airlines DNL.

Foreign users: RAAF The Royal Australian Air Force received already in September 1939 its first Sunderland Mk. I, to be followed by another 17. These were followed by 11 Mk. II’s and 44 Mk. III’s. Final shipment of 12 Mk. V’s followed in 1944-1945. They all served at No. 10 Squadron based at Point Cook and were actively used in the war against Japan. Another RAAF squadron, No. 40 Sq based at Townsville, used six Mk. III’s over the period 1944-1946. RAAF Sq. no. 461 operated with Sunderlands of all four types from the U.K. within the European War Theatre over the period 1942-1945.

Sandringham F-OBIP at Le Bourget (1981).
Sandringham F-OBIP at Le Bourget (1981).

RNZAF The Royal New Zealand Air Force started to use the Sunderland in  1943. Three squadrons, Nos. 5, 6 and 490 flew in total with 36 Sunderlands Mk. II and Mk. V. After the war their operational use was continued until 1967 when they were replaced by the Lockheed Neptune.. RCAF The Royal Canadian Air Force used the Sunderland over the wartime period 1942-1945 in the European War Theatre with two U.K. based squadrons, Nos. 422 and 423. Sq 422 operated with 52 Sunderland Mk. III’s; Sq.423 had on its inventory 6 Mk. II’s and 49 Mk. III’s. All RCAF Sunderlands flew in U.K colour schemes with U.K markings.

The sad end of S.45 Solent Solway and City of Liverpool at Hamworthy Beach, Dorset as engineless and wingless hulls awaiting to be scrapped.
The sad end of S.45 Solent Solway and City of Liverpool at Hamworthy Beach, Dorset as engineless and wingless hulls awaiting to be scrapped.

Aeronavale (France) During the war No. 343 (‘Free French’) squadron with French pilots flew over the period 1943-1945 with 18 Sunderlands stationed at Dakar and Port Etienne in Africa. After the war the French naval fight service Aéronavale received a total of 25 Sunderlands Mk. II and Mk. V from existing R.A.F. inventory. They carried French naval markings, but retained their original R.A.F. serial number. They were used operationally until they were replaced by the Martin Marlin in the early sixties. Norwegian air force Over the period 1943-1945 No. 330 (Norwegian) sq. formed at Reykjavik flew with a total of 7 Sunderland Mk. II’s, 32 Mk. III’s and 6 Mk. V’s. Portuguese navy In February 1941 Sunderland Mk. I no. P9623 from No. 95 Sq ran out of fuel during a long range patrol after hitting a storm and had to land in Portugal. The crew was interned and the Sunderland confiscated. The crew soon returned home, but the Sunderland entered service at the Portuguese navy. It was used for a short period until it was unserviceable due to lake of spare parts. South Africa No. 35 sq of the South African Air Force operated after the war over the period 1945-1955 with 16 Sunderlands Mk. V carrying the serial numbers 1701 – 1715. One single Mk. V flew with its former R.A.F. serial number PP153. They were stationed at Congella Dunbar and Lake Umsingazi and were used until they were replaced by Shackletons during 1954 and 1955.

The first Short S.35 Shetland DX166.
The first Short S.35 Shetland DX166.

Production list: Sunderland S.25 Spec.R.2/33 prototype K4774 (1) Sunderland Mk. I: L2158-L2168, L5798-L5807, N9020-N9030, N9044-N9050, P9600-P9606, P9620-P9624, T9040-T9050, T9070-T9078 64 in total Sunderland Mk. II: T9083-T9090, T9109-T9115, W3976-W3998, W6000-W6004, W6005-W6016, W6026-W6033, W6065-W6068 66 in total Sunderland Mk. III: W3999-W4004(6), W4017-W4037(21), W6050-W6064(15), W6075-W6080 (6), DD828-DD867(40), DP176-DP200(25), DV956-DV980(25), DV985-DV994(10), DW104-DW113 (10), EJ131-EJ145(15), EJ149-EJ158(10), EJ163-EJ172(10), EK572-EK596(25), JM659-JM689(31), JM704-JM722(19), ML725-ML744(20), ML777-ML801(25), ML807-ML831(15), ML835-ML884(50), NJ170-NJ194(25), NJ253-NJ257(25) 428 in total Sunderland Mk. IV/Seaford Mk.I: MZ269, MZ271 (2), NJ200-NJ207 (NJ208-NJ229 cancelled) 10 in total Sunderland Mk.V: NJ259-NJ277(19), PP103-PP132(30), PP135-PP144(10) PP145-PP164(20), RN264-RN273(10), RN277-RN306(30), SZ559-SZ584(26), SZ598(1), TX293(1), VB880-VB889(10) 157 in total By the end of the war, large contracts for the Sunderland for a total of 255 aircraft were cancelled and the last of these flying boats was delivered in June 1946. Basically the Sunderland was manufactured at Short’s Rochester plant. Because capacity problems were soon apparent, Short set up new production lines at  Belfast and Windermere. Additionally, production of a total of 250 Sunderlands of various marks was contracted out to Blackburn at Dumbarton.

Short Sunderland Mk. III Hatfield G-AGER of Aquila Airways was one of the civil conversions. It was ex-JM660.
Short Sunderland Mk. III Hatfield G-AGER of Aquila Airways was one of the civil conversions. It was ex-JM660.

Civil uses: Civil Sunderlands During the war years their was an urgent need to supplement the Short C-class flying boats for passenger and freight transport. Six Sunderlands Mk. III (JM660-JM665) had their armament and military equipment removed and replaced by seats, although far from luxury.

A French Aéronavale Sunderland. It was originally a Mk. III, later changed into Mk. V standard with Twin-Wasp engines. RAF serial number ML764 was maintained!
A French Aéronavale Sunderland. It was originally a Mk. III, later changed into Mk. V standard with Twin-Wasp engines. RAF serial number ML764 was maintained!

The front and tail turret were simply faired over. They were used by B.O.A.C. on the Poole-West Africa route. First was supplied in December 1942; the other followed within short intervals until end of January 1943. They received the civil registrations G-AGER, G-AGES, G-AGET, G-AGEU, G-AGEV and G-AGEW. When G-AGES crashed, it was replaced by JM722 with civil registration G-AGHV. Five more followed with civil registrations G-AGHW, G-AGHX, G-AGHZ, G-AGIA and G-AGIB. Six more Mk. III’s were added to the fleet in January 1944: G-AGJJ, G- AGJK, G-AGJL, G-AGJM, G-AGJN and G-AGJO. The last six civil Sunderlands followed in July-August 1944 as G-AGKV, G-AGKW, G-AGKX, G-AGKZ and G-AGLA. All civil Sunderlands were extensively used for military transport until the end of the war. After the war a number continued to fly at various companies. A number saw also extensive use during the ‘Air Lift’ operations when the Soviet Union blocked the land roads to Berlin.

Sandringham advertizing from Flight 1946 showing its luxury interior.
Sandringham advertizing from Flight 1946 showing its luxury interior.

The Sandringham With the war ended and many Sunderland flying boats available as surplus, Short started with the conversion of Sunderlands into commercial civil flying boats. All military equipment was removed and while at the earlier wartime civil versions the front and tail turrets were simply faired over after removal the new civil con versions received a totally new rounded nose and tail cone. Short even gave it a new name: the Sandringham. The first one, known as Sandringham 1 was still fitted with the Pegasus engines. As G-AGKX it was used by B.O.A.C. with a capacity of 24 day or 12 night passenger including a bar on the upper deck and a dining saloon. The next three. known as Sandringham 2,  were fitted with Twin Wasp engines for the Argentinean operator Dodero with capacity up to 45 passengers. Dodero later ordered an additional two Sandringham 3’s with capacity for 21 passenger. They had an upper deck fitted with a dining saloon and a bar. The Sandringham 4 was a 30-seat passenger version built for Tasman Empire Airways; four were built. Sandringham 5 was a version built for B.O.A.C. with capacity for 22 day or 16 night passengers. Nine were built but one burned out during conversion. The Norwegian company DNL ordered  five 37-passenger versions as the Sandringham 6. Three Sandringham 7’s  were again supplied to B.O.A.C. The civil Sandringhams were used for a number of years, but at the late fifties it was evident the days of the flying boat were over and most were scrapped. One survivor is ex-B.O.A.C.’s  Sandringham 7 G-AKCO St. George. It finally went into French hands as F-OBIP and it was displayed for many years at Le Bourget airport in France.

The Sunderland illustrated as a 3-view drawing in the German aircraft recognition manual of the Kriegsmarine including the positions of the guns and fuel tanks.
The Sunderland illustrated as a 3-view drawing in the German aircraft recognition manual of the Kriegsmarine including the positions of the guns and fuel tanks.

Sandringhams converted from Mk.III’s and Mk. V‘s (ex-RAF serial between brackets): G-AGKX (ML788),  B.O.A.C. Himalaya Mk. 1 (registered as ‘Sunderland Mk. III’) G-AGPZ (DV964), became Dodero LV-AAO Argentina Mk. 2 G-AGPT (DD834), became Dodero LV-AAP Uruguay Mk. 2 G-AGPY (DD847), became Dodero LV-AAR Brazil Mk. 3 G-AGTZ (EJ170), became Dodero LV-AAQ Inglaterra Mk. 3 ZK-AMB (ML761), to Teal Quantas Mk. 4. Name: Tasman G-AHYY (ML737),  B.O.A.C. Porthsmouth Mk. 5 ZK-AMD (NJ255), to Teal  Quantas Mk. 4. Name: Australia ZK-AME (NJ179), to Teal Mk. 4. Name: New Zealand G-AHZA (ML783), B.O.A.C. Penzance Mk. 5 G-AHYZ (ML784), burned out at conversion; not used/not replaced  Mk. 5 G-AHZE (ML784), B.O.A.C. Portsea Mk.5 G-AHZG (ML828), B.O.A.C. Pevensey Mk. 5 G-AHZB (NJ171), B.O.A.C. Portland Mk. 5 G-AHZC (NJ253), B.O.A.C. Pembroke Mk. 5 G-AHZD (NJ257), B.O.A.C. Portmarnock Mk. 5 G-AHZF (NJ188), B.O.A.C. Poole Mk. 5 G-AHRE (ML843), to Dodero as LV-ACT Paraguay Mk. 2 LN-IAV (ML809), to DNL (Norwegian Airlines) Kvitbjørn Mk. 6 LN-IAU (ML807), to DNL (Norwegian Airlines) Bamse Brakar Mk. 6 LN-IAW (JM720), to DNL (Norwegian Airlines) Bukken Bruse Mk.6 LV-AAQ, refit of LV-AAQ for Dodero LV-AAR, refit of LV-AAR for Dodero ZK-AMH (JM715), to Teal as Auckland Mk.4 G-AMJZ (JM681), B.O.A.C. Perth Mk. 5 G-AKCO (JM719),  B.O.A.C. St. George Mk.7; later F-OBIP at Le Bourget Mk. 7 G-AKCP (EJ172), B.O.A.C. St. David Mk. 7 G-AKCR (ML840), B.O.A.C. St. Andrew Mk. 7 LN-LAI (W4037), DNL (Norwegian Airlines) Jutulen Mk. 6 LN-LMK (JM714), DNL (Norwegian Airlines) Polarbjorn Mk. 6

Four-view silhouette on the second page of the Sunderland entry in the German Recognition manual
Four-view silhouette on the second page of the Sunderland entry in the German Recognition manual

The Solent The Sunderland Mk.IV or Seaford arrived too late to play a decisive part in the Second World war and only eight production models were built and delivered after the end of the war. After a brief trial at No. 201 Sq the Seafords were returned to Short for modification as a passengers flying boat as the Solent. The two prototypes MZ269 and MZ271 were used for testing at the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment and finally scrapped in July 1947. The second production Seaford NJ201 was tested by R.A.F. Transport Command carrying the code letters OZZA on both sides of its rear fuselage. NJ201 was later modified with a rounded nose and tail cone and went to B.O.A.C. as G-AGWU. All other operational Seafords were returned to Short for conversion into commercial flying boats. It also was renamed from Seaford into Solent.

Last photo page of the German Recognition manual showing the Sunderland prototype.
Last photo page of the German Recognition manual showing the Sunderland prototype.

Short built in total 12 newly built Solents for B.O.A.C.  These Solents for B.O.A.C. and their names were as follows: G-AHIL, Salisbury G-AHIM, Scarborough G-AHIN, Seaforth (later Southampton) G-AHIO, Somerset G-AHIR, Sark G-AHIS, Scapa G-AHIT, Severn G-AHIU, Solway G-AHIV, Salcombe G-AHIW, Stornoway G-AHIX, Sussex G-AHIY, Southsea The converted Seafords for B.O.A.C. were: G-AKNO (NJ202) Seaforth G-AKNP (NJ203)  Sutherland G-AKNR (NJ204) Selkirk G-AKNS (NJ205) Sheerness (later City of Liverpool) The last two ex-Seafords were never operated by B.O.A.C.: G-AKNT (NJ206) Singapore for Ministry of Transport; later to South Pacific airlines as N9947F G-AKNU (NJ207) Sydney for Aquilla Airlines A last batch of four newly produced Solents was ordered by Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL): ZK-AML Aotearoa ZK-AMM Ararangi ZK-AMN Awatera ZK-AMO Aranui Ex-Seaford G-AKNP received finally the U.S. registration N9946F and was flown until 1958. It is one of the two Solents that escaped scrapping and at present it is on display at the Oakland Aviation Museum in its original Seaford markings as NJ203.

Sunderland Mk. III W4004 carrying the typical 4-mast radar array of the A.S.V. and showing extensive signs of corrosion on its fuselage. ( Srecko Bradic)
Sunderland Mk. III W4004 carrying the typical 4-mast radar array of the A.S.V. and showing extensive signs of corrosion on its fuselage. ( Srecko Bradic)

Technical details (Sunderland Mk. V): Power plant:              four Pratt & Whitney R-1890-90 14-cylinder double row radial air- cooled engines of 1200 hp each Dimensions: -wing span                   34.42 m -length                         26.00 m -height                         10.02 m Weights: -Empty                                    16,783 kg -take-off                      27,216 kg max. Performances: -Max. speed                343 km/h at 1624 m -service ceiling            5456 m -range                          4796 km  in still air Armament:                –nose turret with two 7.9 mm machine guns -fixed armament of four 7.9 or 12.7 machine guns in the nose -tail turret with four 7.9 mm machine guns -four 7.9m m machine guns in a dorsal turret or two 7.9 mm machine guns firing through two hatches Total of 907 kg of bombs and/or depth charges Crew:                          pilot, co-pilot, navigator, wireless operator, bomb-aimer, flight- engineer and gunners. Total crew was 10 to 13 although there was room for several more people if needed. Survivors: With more than 700 build we can say that at least a small number of Sunderlands and its derivatives are still existing as complete aircraft in a general good shape. From the list below it will be evident that eight are still existing: 3 Sunderlands, 3 Sandringhams and two Solents. Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum in Florida proudly announces it has ‘the last 4-engined flying boat of the world that can still fly’. It flew in in 1993 as G-BJHS, but has not flown since! It was originally Sunderland Mk. III/Mk. V with R.A.F. serial ML814. Later it was RNZAF NZ4108 and was converted in Australia to Sandringham standard as VH-BRF. Although it is kept in an immaculate condition it is highly unlikely it will ever fly again. The Sandringham at Kermits Weeks’ is painted in an attractive all-over white with green stripes and carries the name ‘Fantasy of Flight’ on its nose

  • ·At the Imperial War Museum collection at Duxford Sunderland Mk. III/V ML796 is on static display. It arrived here in 1975 and has been restored in excellent condition.
  • ·Short Sunderland Mk. III/V ML824 is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon.

It is an ex-French Aéronavale machine where it was retired in 1961. Ten years later it was acquired by the RAF Museum.

  • · Short Solent G-AKNP City of Cardiff  (formerly Sutherland) is on display at the Oakland Aviation Museum, California in its all-white post-war B.O.A.C. scheme.
  • ·Another Solent is on display at the MoTaT Aviation Unit (‘Museum of Transport and Technology’) in Auckland, New Zealand. It is ex-TEAL ZK-AMO Aranui.
  • ·MoTaT at Auckland also has an original Sunderland Mk. V on display. It is the former R.A.F. machine SZ584, in 1953 refurbished as NZ4115 for the RNZAF.
  • ·Sandringham ZK-AMH (ex-JM715) is now on display at Solent Sky exhibit hall at Southampton, U.K..
  • ·Sandringham F-OBIP (ex-JM719/G-AKCO) is under full restoration at the Musée de l’Air at Le Bourget, France.

  Literature: -Anonymous, Sunderland – The RAF’s legendary protector of the sea-lanes, Aeroplane Icons series 2012 -Dennis Baldry, Piston airliners since 1940, Phoebus Publishing U.K. (1980) -C.H. Barnes, Short aircraft since 1900, Putnam U.K. (1967) -Chaz Bowyer, Sunderland at war, Ian Allan U.K. (1976) -William Green, Warplanes of the Second World War Vol. 5 Flying boats, Macdonald UK (1962) -John Stroud, Short Sandringham in ‘Post-War propliners’, Aeroplane Monthly April 1993 -John Stroud, Short Solent in ‘Post-War propliners’, Aeroplane Monthly June 1993 Nico Braas

17 thoughts on “Short Sunderland- The flying porcupine

  1. Thanks for a very good article on a great aircraft. A few little corrections and maybe additions.

    1) RAAF 10 Squadron served at Mount Batten, Plymouth UK for most of the war and not at Point Cook. They never fought the Japanese. 10 Squadron were successful submarine hunters and operated often in the dangerous Bay of Biscay area where they also had a number of encounters with Ju88’s also.

    2) The fitting of P&W 1890 Twin Row Wasp engines to Mark III’s was first done by 10 Sqn in conjunction of 460 RAAF, its sister Squadron at Pembroke Dock.

    3) 10 Sqn and 460 Sqn also jointly developed the fixed “Deck Brooms” as they were called to either side of the nose. These were Browning O.5 MG’s as these packed a far greater punch. In fact they upgraded all MG’s to 0.5mm Brownings
    discarding the Lewis ‘Gas guns’ of earlier models.

    4) A further development by these two Squadrons were 0.5 Brownings in two galley positions similar to the waist gun positions on B 17’s etc., except they had a hatch arrangement to close them for take off and landings.

    All these mods became standard on the MK V, which became a formidable aircraft indeed as a result!

    Lastly a question do you know what Mk etc the Ju88’s the Sunderlands often fought were? I’ve been wanting to model one for some time.

    Cheers
    Neil

  2. Hi,
    Some comments on your Post re RNZAF Sunderlands.

    Your Photo of the RNZAF MR5 over Corrigidor with the USN Marlin, RAAF Neptune being titled Sunderland Farewell, 1963 not so, the Sunderland continued in service till 1967, especially the one in the photo.
    The RNZAF won the Fincastle Trophy in 1964, with the Sunderland MR5

    The RNZAF did not start using the Sunderland till late 1944 when 4 Mk III’s configured as transports arrived in New Zealand.
    490 Squadron was an Article XV Squadron, meaning it was staffed by RNZAF personell but run by the RAF. 490 Squadron also did not start flying the Mk III Sunderland not Mk II till 1944.
    RNZAF 5 & 6 Squadrons did not start flying the Mk V (MR5) till around 1953 when 16 Sunderlands began arriving in New Zealand from the UK.
    6 Squardon was disbanded late 1950’s, when 5 Squadron becanme the sole operator, of the remaining Sunderlands
    5 Squadron began turning over it’s Sunderlands around 1966 for the newer Lockheed P3B Orion.

    Re the Short Solent, here in Auckland New Zealand, we have the last remaining Short Solent Mk IV on dispaly at MOTAT, ZK-AMO Aranui along with Short Sunderland NZ4115 Q-Queenie.

    Regards

    Alan W

  3. A very informative article but do you know how many Sunderlands were built in Belfast and in which years.
    Many thanks,

    Syd.McF.

  4. Hi , can anyone reading this maybe help , my dad passed away around 3 years ago , and only started to talk about his involvement in the war towards his final years . He was first in the army , having been injured , never said how , he then signed up as a rear tail gunner in a short Sunderland , I am sure he said he was based in Ireland , and said they were shot down , with I think only two of them making it out alive ! He always said he was never proud of being involved in the war and didn’t like to talk about it ! How can I find out any info and maybe his squadron and some details , I have found sites that list W.G.Armstrong .. Several in fact , but they want £££££££’s for info , and I could be looking at the wrong person .. Any help would be much appreciated , our 9 year old son misses his grandad so much still , he has a model Sunderland , my dad made him !

    Kind regards
    Roger

    1. HI Roger

      I have been looking at the Sunderland history page and noted your request for any help with Sunderland bases in Ireland.
      My late father was a WOP/ AG with 201 Squadron and spent 12mths flying from loch Erne Castle Archdale an RAF base in Northern Ireland in Sunderlands out over the atlantic with Costal Command. There is information and photos on the base if you type in the details to your search engine.

      I also managed to obtain a copy of my Fathers RAF record which I have found useful for filling in some blanks. Hope this is useful to you,

  5. HI FOLK- THOUGHT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP AS I SERVED MY APPRENTISHIP IN SHORTS BELFAST 1952-7 – STARTING ON SUNDERLAND MK III + V . THE R.N.Z.A.F. WERE NOT STD. MK V – THEY WERE EXTENSIVELY MODDED INTERNALLY – THE W/O BALSA BULKHEAD + TIMBER DESK + T1154 /R1155 WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A COLLINS MODERN RACK OF T/Rs . SO NO LONGER WAS A W/O NEEDED. THIS CAN BE SEEN EXTERNALLY BY THE TWIN H.F. MASTS NEXT TO THE OVER WING HATCH – ALSO THE TWIN ADF LOOP FAIRINGS . THE 2 X MAIN HULL DOORS HAD TRIANGULAR PERSPEX PANELS TO SHOW THE EM. AXE + FIRE EXT. ARMNAMENT WAS STD. MK V : HYD. PWR. 2 X .303 BROWNING NOSE TURRET + FIXED PILOT OPERATED 4 X .303 M/G EITHER SIDE OF NOSE + 1 X .5 BROWNING ON PINTLE MOUNT AT EA. BEAM HATCH POSN. + 4 X .303 IN PWR. TAIL TURRET – THE MID UPPER TURRET WAS REMOVED IN MK III TO MK V CONVERSION. SEAWINGS IS A GOOD ACCURATE WEBSITE . THE SUNDERLAND DID OPERATE FROM LOUGH NEAGH NR. BELFAST N.I. AND I KNOW ONE CRASHED THERE . ALL SUNDERLANDS I WORKED ON WERE O.E.M. WITH P+W 1830 .

    1. Hi Jack,
      One minor correction to your story. The Wireless Operator had a Marconi suite of radio gear which was standard in the RNZAF.
      It consisted of Marconi TYPE 7092d ADF, AD107/94 HF Transmitter/receiver. AD97/108 HF Tx/Rx. AD401 intercom system, Other boxes included LORAN, ASV, REBECCA,TR1936 VHF and Sonobouy receiver and recorder.

    2. Hi Jack.

      Re RNZAF Mk V/MR5’s, have to disagree about the extensively modified internally comment.
      The only major modification was the W/O position, along with a couple of additional gauges on the Instrument panel.
      Yes, RNZAF Mk V’s flew with a crew member manning that position as a Signaler.
      The rest of the aircraft was stock standard Mk V. The reason for the two ADF loops was to aid in navigation around the vast Pacific.

      The Upper Turrets began to be removed from Mk III’s and V’s circa 1944 when the Luftwaffe was not so much of a threat. I have photos of both 270 and 490 Squadron Mk III’s in West Africa sans upper Turrets circa mid 1944.
      Not all Sunderland’s Mk III’s were fitted with the fixed bow guns either, those operating from UK bases had them, but in places like West Africa etc no

    3. Hi Jack,
      Have to disagree with your comments about the RNZAF Sunderland Mk V/MR5, being extensively modified internally.
      Certainly the W/O suite was modified, and a couple of additional instruments were added to the Instrument panel. The rest of the Airframe was stock Mk V. The Balsa Upper sub bulkhead was still there.
      The dual ADF Loops were to aid navigation over the vast Pacific.
      The W/O position was still occupied with a signaler.

      The Upper Turrets were removed from production circa 1944, as the threat from the Luftwaffe decreased. I have photos of both 270 and 490 Squadron Sunderland’s in West Africa without the upper turret.
      Not all Sunderland’s such as Mk III’s had fixed bow guns either.
      Only those that operated from bases in Britain had them, whereas those flown in places like West Africa did not

  6. The Australian airline is spelt QANTAS – it’s an acronym (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services) so no ‘u’ required.

    Great article, thanks.

  7. I have some pictures of at least one Sunderland, the world has not seen for a very long time. pp144 NS-A At a base in Scotland 1948/1949. Do I need to use Photobucket?

  8. I dedicated one page of this sturdy cumbersome but outstanding aircraft that helped to save so many survivors adrift in the Atlantic. It deserved to be remembered. With glory just as the brave British sailor which died in the trecherous shark infested waters of the southern sea.

  9. Hi I recently found a photo of a Sunderland taken by my father on his return at Poole harbour . He had served in the RAF in India and the flight home was Karachi to Dubai then Cairo ,Sicily,Poole . It looks like the serial is N3021 ,do you have any information on it please.

    Kind regards
    Graham Tew

    1. Hello Graham
      If you could provide any further details – especially the date/s involved it would be
      potentially for Poole Flying Boats Celebration to affirm the information for you…
      With best wishes
      Aimee Alexander
      PFBC Trustee i.c Projects

  10. Have finished the MS telling the complete story of RAAF Sunderland EJ134, ‘N for Nuts’ that shot down 5 JU88’s (maybe 6!) in June 1943, an incredible story of battle and survival against almost impossible odds, Will publish in 2024, please contact me on; george.edmunds01@gmail.com should you like a copy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.