the mostly unsung Sunderland

Will, momentarily, post some RAF Sunderland artwork...

For those unfamiliar with this type, I provide the following info and links:
The Short Sunderland was one of the finest flying boats ever built, and
had an impressively long service record. Developed from the Empire class
flying boats, the Sunderland was first used by the RAF in 1938 and gave
outstanding service throughout the Second World War, flying maritime
reconnaissance, convoy escort and anti-submarine missions over the
Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the North Sea and the Mediterranean.
It had an endurance in excess of 13 hours and was equipped with bunks,
a galley, a workshop and of course an anchor. The Sunderland's defensive
capabilities, fourteen machine guns in all, led Luftwaffe fighter crews to
nickname it the 'Flying Porcupine'. The type continued in front-line RAF
service until its retirement in 1959.

sites which may be of interest:
http://www.aviastar.org/gallery/sunderland.html
http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avsund.html
http://members.aol.com/famjustin/Weston6.html
http://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?a...t_model_id=187
http://www.chesterfieldarmament.com/...ace/caught.htm
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/sit...rlandlst_e.asp