Sgt Percy Tottle evacuation from Java 1942 by Catalina.

[BrianC]

Hi guys

This has been troubling me ever since reading Ralph Barker's "Down in the Drink" many moons ago.

The story goes: RAF Sgt Percy Tottle, having been severely wounded in both legs, was offered a life-saving flight in one of the last Dutch Catalinas to escape Java, late February 1942 (possibly 27th). In the event, en route to Ceylon, the Catalina caught fire and crashed into the sea off the Malayan coast. Apparently Tottle was the only survivor, rescued from the sea by a native fishing boat.

My questions: Identity of the Catalina? (possibly Y-63 or Y-65); identities of the crew and passengers?

Any information/comments appreciated.

Brian