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

[Leendert]

Brian,

Catalinas Y-55, Y-56, Y-57 and Y-64 got away to Ceylon.
The Dutch Naval Air Service (MLD) memorial roll (gedenkrol) gives no names of fatal casualties that can be attributed to a crash and/or crew loss en route.
See https://www.traditiekamermld.nl/wp-c...Database11.pdf

Can Sgt Percy Tottle further be identified?

Regards, Leendert

[RSwank]

There is some information here:

https://forum.rafcommands.com/forum/...rcival-TOTTLE=

fold3 has a little on the name in the UK section:

Full Name: Tottle, P
Information: They enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot. They joined In January 1937.
More Information: Was appointed as a Class F Reservist
Service Number: 743751
Service: Royal Air Force
Archive Reference: AIR 78 159 1
Served For: United Kingdom

[BrianC]

Hi Leendert and Rolland

Excellent responses, as usual. Many thanks.

So, an evacuating Do24 and not a Catalina! Some further digging to do in an effort to find a possible relevant loss. - PS: this must have been X-16

Further contributions welcomed.

Cheers
Brian

[RSwank]

A website that has info on the Do24s.

https://thejavagoldblog.wordpress.co...ornier-do-24k/

Not sure X-16 was the plane, maybe X-17 or X-18 (at least they were shot down).

[BrianC]

Hi Rolland

Another site I googled stated that X-16 was lost en route to Ceylon on 28 February 1942!!

Hopefully, we'll sort it out!!

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,
Most, if not all Dutch websites dealing with the Do-24K and NEI agree that X-16 was lost while in maintenance.
X-17 (crew all missing since) and X-18 (crew swam ashore) lost on 24 Feb 1942 after a bomb mission and attacked by Japanese fighters.

Regards, Leendert

[BrianC]

Thanks Leendert and Rolland

Much appreciated

Brian