Between 1938 and 1948, Qantas Short Empire flying boats navigated a dramatic and dangerous period for commercial aviation. They flew the Singapore–Sydney section of the prewar Imperial Airways UK–Australia air route, introducing a new level of luxury travel to the route. However, the outbreak of war cut short this brief glamorous time and brought the Qantas boats increasingly onto the front line. Containing over 160 stunning illustrations, many previously unpublished, this book details the history of the Empire flying boats as they went from luxurious carriers to military service in roles that included the resupply and evacuation of Allied military forces.