Pilot Murphy - ditched North Sea 21 July 1919

[Leendert]

The Dutch steamer Agneta, on her way from Holland to Finland, picked up a British pilot named Murphy who had ditched his mail plane "near Buoy 6" in the North Sea on 17 July 1919.
The British airplane was on a postal flight between England an Cologne and had engine problems. Airplane was lost.

The pilot was put ashore at Brunsbüttel, Germany.

Pilot is described in a Dutch newspaper as "pilot-officer", so perhaps RAF.

Any info further info about the ditched airplane and/or full identity of Murphy is welcome, thanks.

Regards,

Leendert

[paulmcmillan]

"English air-messenger, named Murphy, hound for Cologne with mails"

Says also Flying Officer

Probably RAF but needs more investigation

[paulmcmillan]

Prob 120 Sqn with DH9

[Leendert]

Paul,

Thanks. Puzzling somewhat is the what seems (very) northerly course Murphy must have taken.
Usual route was Folkestone via S. Belgium to Cologne?

Regards,

Leendert

[Leendert]

An unexpected turn. It appears that the plane came down on 17 July 1919 at 5 p.m., as witnessed by the crew of a Dutch trawler tug (Neutraal) and reported thus in a Dutch newspaper a few days later.
The tug tried to take the airplane in tow, but due to heavy seas was unsuccessful. Therefore only the engine was salvaged and taken to IJmuiden, Holland.
Passing freighter Agneta took the pilot on board with subsequent landing at Brunsbüttel on 19 July.

Regards,

Leendert

[paulmcmillan]

Wednesday 23 July 1919 , Western Daily Press , Bristol, England

AIR POSTMAN'S MISHAP
A R.N. flying officer named Murphy, while carrying the post
from England to Cologne, fell in the North Sea owing to engine trouble.
He was picked up by a Dutch steamer. and brought to Brunebuttel, near Cuxhaven. Of nine mail bags seven were saved by the steamer. The aeroplane was lost. Reuters


"RN" but why Flying Officer, and agree why long route?