writers' showcase

A Catalina Called Matilda

Athol Thomas


A BIG BIRD COMES TO PERTH - IN FACT AND FICTION

A Catalina Called Matilda is a fast-moving adventure-romance set in WA's stunning Kimberley. Its centrepiece is a restored World War II Catalina flying boat that our hero and his co-pilot use for charter work. They run into smugglers, spies, terrorists and dangerous women. The story stands on its own as a good read but it also celebrates the remarkable aircraft that was a major element of Australia's defence against the Japanese. Many will remember the 'big Cats' in Perth skies during the war, when they were based in Matilda Bay on the Swan River.

The book was timed to appear in mid 2007 to coincide with the official opening of an identical Catalina display in the Bullcreek aviation museum. A section at the front of the book gives a short history of an aircraft so revered by its crews that hundreds of Catalina clubs mushroomed through the world after hostilities ended.

A Catalina Named Matilda is available from the publisher, Wisewords:
57 McCabe Street
Mosman Park 
WA 6012 
phone (08) 9383 3096.
cost: $27.50 inc. tax (postage within Australia $3.50 a copy)