The s
econd report is taken from a leaflet written by the Friends of Poole Flying Boats Celebration (PFBC) who are a charity based in Poole of which I am a member. The report, which can be accessed by clicking on the image on the left, is reproduced with the very kind permission of the PFBC, which holds the copyright. It is primarily about one of the Captains of the flight (Captain Ralph Mountain - another ex-RAF member) who died in the air crash of G-AGIB. The story of its final movements starts on page 5.
You might also wish to visit the PFBC’s Website at the following link:
I have been told recently that the loss of this aircraft was important in its future development at the time. It would appear that other Mark III Sunderlands had been lost at sea at this stage of the war but they could not identify the reason. It was the loss of G-AGIB on land meant that a full examination could take place which led to design changes which probably saved many lives. A crumb of comfort.
Percy was initially found by the Long Range Desert Group and buried near the crash site, but later transferred to the Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery in Egypt, where he still rests. I have included two more images of the from the War Graves Commission which indicate where he is now buried, and what was engraved on his stone. It was interesting to see that the nickname given to his partner was “Pitchie” which I assume was indicative of his love of flying.
One day, when the world gets back to some sort of normality, I shall visit him there.
- Dave Estall
Percy Estall Page 1 2 3 4 5
