Claim for Navy Type 95 Seaplane, Java

[BruceMk11]

Engaged by Sgt Tom Young (A402900), 232 Sqn. Not sure of the status of his claim. He was flying Hurricane IIb BE230.

Combat thought to have taken place on 1 March, 1942, in the vicinity of Tandjong Priok, Java.

Are there any corresponding losses?

Bruce

[BruceMk11]

Originally Posted by BruceMk11

Are there any corresponding losses?

It would appear not. From PC Boer's The Loss of Java: The Final Battles For the Possession of Java Fought By Allied Air, Naval and Land Forces in the Period of 18 February-7 March 1942, page 47.

"Late in the morning [23 February] six Hurricanes took off from Tjililitan. Among the pilots were Sgt T. Kelly of 605 Squadron and Sgt R.L. Dovell [1260983 Ronald Leonard Dovell] and Sgt T.W. Young [Thomas Wood Young] of 242 Squadron. Several enemy planes were reported over the Bay of Batavia and in a widely spread formation it was attempted to discover these planes. A pair, consisting of Dovell and Young spotted a float plane at an altitude of 3,000 metres. Sgt Young managed to hit it already from a large distance with his first shots, and the Japanese pilot in his smoking bi-plane came flying headlong at Young's Hurricane. The two planes narrowly missed each other, upon which the Japanese disappeared. Young got the plane to his name (possibly erroneously). No wreckage was found."

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi Bruce

Hurricanes over Singapore by Cull and Sortehaug (pg 151) indicate this combat took place on 20th Feb 42. It is credited as destroyed to Young. Similar description is given in Bloody Shambles Volume 2 on same date. Incidentally, Young also had a Ki-21 probable with 232 Sqn on 9th Feb 42 over Singapore.

Adding to the confusion in The RAAF at War by Jim Turner there is a personal recollection by Young and the date for the floatplane combat is listed as 29th Feb 42! However there are several errors in this book so may not be as accurate.

However, no indication of a Japanese loss or identity of unit involved in any of above.

Regards, Drew

[BruceMk11]

Thanks Drew. I have a copy of Turner's book albeit buried in a box somewhere.