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