It definitely dived in hard, characteristically after either a bale-out or pilot killed

We know the pilot lived. Portland War Diary records his rescue by a trawler.

The combination of high RPM and the high-speed impact have shattered it.

We have wondered if the prop had been snagged by a trawler or fishing gear, and ripped off the prop hub. But if we have some of the hub remaining, this discounts this theory. Thanks for the ID.

It is quite possible that the blades were cast far and wide upon impact.

We intend to extend the sonar survey, they still might just turn up.

Nice to see the fruits of modern technology being used on an aircraft wreck

Thank you – and yes please to your offer of technical data on the R-2800. Will PM you.

I get a ‘Forbidden’ message when I try to view the pictures – any idea why?

Mike – not sure why. I do block some russian IP address ranges to help prevent spammers constantly trying to hack the site. Were you accessing the page from home? Or work? What country are you in?