Night Hunter, the story behind "Moonlit Nemesis"

"Moonlit Nemesis" by Artist Craig Tinder - This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder pays tribute to the pilots and crews who flew the perilous bombing and sea rescue missions with the PBY Catalina. This Limited Edition Canvas Print includes an actual fragment of control surface fabric from a restored PBY-5A Catalina.

Details About the RELIC:

This fine art print, commissioned by the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, features relic material from their airworthy PBY-5A Catalina, a historic aircraft that served a vital role during World War II. The specific aircraft, BuNo. 48294, originally flew with Patrol Squadron 92 (VP-92) in 1943, patrolling the vast waters of the Atlantic Theater. Based in locations such as Morocco and the Caribbean, this aircraft was primarily tasked with the critical mission of hunting German U-boats, which posed a serious threat to Allied shipping.

PBY-5A Catalina control surface fabric - notice the 3 color shades (L-R): Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue, Insignia White

After its military service in the war, the PBY-5A Catalina continued its career with the U.S. Coast Guard, showcasing the versatility of this amphibious aircraft. Its duties took it from the icy coasts of Alaska to the far-reaching waters of South Africa, further demonstrating its global operational reach. The PBY-5A became synonymous with maritime patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare, cementing its legacy as one of the most versatile and enduring aircraft of the 20th century.

PBY-5A Catalina 48294 at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA

In 2023, during routine maintenance on this airworthy piece of history, a section of original fabric was carefully removed. This fabric relic, now part of this unique print, serves as a physical link to the countless missions and adventures this PBY-5A Catalina has undertaken. From protecting convoys in the perilous waters of the Atlantic to serving humanitarian and search operations in the years that followed, this aircraft stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of aviation history.

Artist, Craig Tinder, holding fabric remnants from PBY-5A Catalina 48294 that's included as a relic in "Moonlit Nemesis"

The Story Behind the Print:

28 August 1942 - PBY Catalina, BuNo. 7295, from Patrol Squadron 92 (VP-92) embarked on a critical escort mission from Guantanamo Bay. Tasked with protecting an Allied convoy as it navigated the treacherous waters of the Windward Passage between Cuba and Haiti, the Catalina’s role was to guard against the lurking threat of German U-boats. Close to midnight, under the dim light of a hazy moon, the Catalina crew spotted German U-boat U-94, preparing to fire a torpedo at the convoy.

With the element of surprise on its side, the PBY Catalina acted swiftly. The U-94 crew detected the approaching aircraft and initiated a crash dive to evade the impending attack. However, the Catalina released four depth charges just in time, critically damaging the U-boat’s diving planes and leaving it vulnerable. The Canadian corvette, HMCS Oakville, quickly joined the fray, ramming the submarine to prevent its escape. After a brief and intense battle, the Oakville’s crew boarded the U-boat and completed the task of sinking U-94.

The engagement resulted in the loss of 19 German sailors, though many were captured by the Allied forces. The sinking of U-94 marked the end of a notorious submarine’s career. The U-boat had completed nine war patrols during its service, sinking 26 Allied ships and contributing to the deadly toll of the Battle of the Atlantic. This daring nighttime mission showcased the effectiveness of Allied cooperation between air and naval forces in combating the U-boat menace that threatened vital convoy operations throughout the war.

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Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors