Memories of a Christmas Catalina Flight to Norway 1943

While based at Woodhaven the Catalina flying boats were not always loaded with lethal explosives destined for German U boats. Transportation of goods to Norway was equally important. Sometimes they carried passengers to or from Norway. On other occasions their cargo consisted of food and medicines for the civilian population. One of those who carried out many such assignments was pilot Carl J Kraft. He made his first visit back to Woodhaven in October 1974 since leaving in 1945, and he recalled one of these flights which took place just before Christmas 1943.

“On December 23rd 1943 at 1:30am two Norwegian Catalina Flying boats started from Woodhaven bound for Norway. The aircraft carried a full load of Christmas parcels packed in 50kg sacks. The parcels carried tobacco, cigarettes, coffee, chocolate, vitamin tablets etc for the civilian population of North Norway. “We crossed the coast at exactly the right position at the island of Vega. We continued inland at an altitude of 50 feet and from the pilot’s seats we could see small houses on the skerries and islands. “Prepare to drop the first sacks”, I gave the order on the intercom and soon the first sacks dropped near a cluster of small houses. When we turned we saw people running out, first they stared at the great aircraft roaring inward across the hills then they ran towards the sacks. At one place a man straightened up from what he was doing. When he noticed the Norwegian flag and the name Jossing he dropped what he had in his hands and waved wildly with both arms running toward the sacks which fell between the houses. No doubt he had a good cup of coffee and a plug of tobacco or a good smoke that Christmas. At another place a couple of sacks fell in the sea but some men immediately ran to a boat, launched it and rescued them. We had expected this so most of the parcels were packed in waterproof paper. Their contents were therefore unspoiled. At about 5:00 pm we landed at Woodhaven after a memorable flight. We were all pleased and happy because we believed and hoped that this Christmas at least for a few people in Norway would be more pleasurable having luxuries they had not seen for so long.”