Short Sunderland

The Short Sunderland was a long-range general reconnaisance and anti-submarine flying-boat and was a military variant of the famous "C" Class Empire boats. The Sunderland's strong defensive armament earned it the nickname "Flying Porcupine" from the Germans, and its remarkably sound design earned it a place in aviation history as one of the finest flying-boats ever built.
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RCAF 422 and 423 (General Reconnaissance) Squadrons, working under Coastal Command in Europe, and flying out of England, Ireland, and Scotland, flew a total of 74 RAF Sunderland Mk.IIs and IIIs, as did numerous Canadians flying in RAF squadrons. There are seven recorded incidents of RCAF squadron Sunderlands having sunk German U-boats. Three are believed to have been lost while in action against U-boats, and throughout the war, 422 Squadron alone lost 11 Aircraft and 52 aircrew while flying 1116 operational missions, while 423 Squadron lost 6 Aircraft and 49 aircrew while flying 1392 operational missions.
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