I was reading some of the stories on BBC-WW2 peoples war, and I came across and article
which might interest some of you, by John Jackson who served in India during the war.
“There were one or two interesting stories relating to my time in India.
There were some brand new surplus engines in the stores, which after the war ended were taken
out into Bombay (Mumbai) harbour and sunk. They used Land Craft to transport them, and I think it
went on for weeks. They were brand new 18 cylinder Cyclone engines, in two banks of nine. They were
wrapped in cellophane and greased. They were worth GBP3,000 each in those days, worth GBP300,00
or more now. They took them out three or four at a time and dumped them.
A large variety of items including complete aircraft were thrown away, and I could never understand why.
Perhaps it had something to do with the commercial market with cheap war surplus. No doubt Dakota parts
would have been very handy for civil aircraft. After all, Dakotas or DC3’s are still flying.”
For the treasure hunters, don’t get your hopes up, the cellophane will probably be perished and the grease
deteriorate over so many years, but you never know.
Stuart
By: ZRX61 - 15th June 2018 at 19:38
The US didn’t want the post-war market flooded with their equipment and aircraft so as to protect home industry and exports.
They still do this, try importing Hueys from Central/South America back into the US.
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th June 2018 at 18:28
As Malcolm says; Lend Lease rules. The US didn’t want the post-war market flooded with their equipment and aircraft so as to protect home industry and exports.
Disposal of US-supplied equipment was massive operation after the war. Dumping of material at sea was the least expensive, easiest and safest way. There are photos of aircraft carriers leaving Australian harbours with decks covered with brand new R-2800 engines to be dropped off the end once clear of the coast.
British carriers, too. Aircraft, wings folded and holes punched in the upper and lower surfaces to make them sink more quickly, being pushed off the round-down in their hundreds.
Anon.
By: Malcolm McKay - 15th June 2018 at 08:42
Lend lease – when it ended the Americans said if you want to keep it you have to pay for it, otherwise dump it.
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th June 2018 at 08:29
Ha ha ha, spilt me cornflakes!
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June 15, 2018 at 8:10 am