Just a quick question. Would it have been in SOPs to jettison the hatches of a damaged aircraft ( bomber ) prior to landing back at base? I ask because I live in Lincolnshire obviously surrounded by airfields but also a lof of woodland. Has anything ever been found.? Thanks in advance.
By: LW206 - 17th February 2015 at 11:00
I have the complete escape hatch from Halifax LW206. That was found at the crash site.
Richard
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th February 2015 at 10:16
I’m sure 70+ years ago the countryside was littered with bits of aircraft – escape hatches plus everything else, but you must remember this was a very long time ago now and anything that wasn’t picked up at that time or in the intervening years, would by now be covered in 70 years of growth, plus be in a very bad shape – probably corroded beyond recognition.
I remember 30+ years ago a good friend of my Dad mentioning that in a small copse near him he had found a drop tank from a Typhoon/Tempest that had probably been dropped from an aircraft operating out of nearby Predannack. Dad and I always always said one day well take a look up there, but of course we never did!
I know of the said copse, but hate to think what state that mag (?) alloy drop tank would be in now… (if it is still there!)
By: Peter - 17th February 2015 at 00:00
Could be worth a poke around in the woodland though……….
By: JASE - 16th February 2015 at 23:47
Thank you Cees.
By: CeBro - 14th February 2015 at 15:39
The only one I know of was Halifax NA337, it’s pilot escape Hatch was found in a wooden area. The aircraft itself ditched in Lake Mjosa Norway.
Cees
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February 13, 2015 at 10:57 am