Halifax HR980

Hi
This plane and its recovery of the aircrew inside as a E-petition for people to sign.Please see below.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/72234

Hi the aircraft is full submerged in a swamp, there is a small part of the plane exposed. Recent tests on the area have shown that the ground is very silty and as such needs different and more expensive pumping equipment the estimated cost has gone up to around C$300,000. The UK, Canadian and Australian governments at the moment will take over all funeral needs once the bodies are recovered and dispose of any live munitions. When the aircraft is lifted it will be exhibited at the Finowfurt museum and or parts will be used in the restoration on the Halifax in Canada. If anyone wishes to donate or has any knowledge or offers of help please contact Karl at Halifax 57 Rescue in Canada.
Thanks

Ian

Article relisted, with some changes:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2841142

Hi Paul

No problem, An organisation called Halifax 57 Rescue in Canada (www.57rescuecanada.com) has got involved they have been over and are trying to fundraise to get the job done I believe they need to raise C$76,000 and have already reached C$20,000. This is a worthy cause and if anyone has access to any funds or anyone who may be able to help I suggest they contact Karl Kjarsgaard or they can donate on their website. As I said there are 5 crew still on board 1 Canadian, 1 Australian and 3 British. They are hoping to start work in October and they hope to be able to have some news by Armistice Day. It really is sad that the British Government wont get involved with this project, they are happy to help with other things all over the world but not to give 5 brave lads who gave the ultimate sacrifice the final resting place they deserve.
Ian

Thanks for the update Ian. I do hope that it brings closure for some of the families, and respect goes to those volunteers doing the work.

Hi I have been a little involved with this crash site, as the UK arm of the LAO in Germany. This is because they helped me search and find the crashsite of my Uncles Lancaster ED328SR-S last year. The back ground is the Halifax crashed on the same raid over Berlin as my Uncles, it crashed into a swap and sank. The Germans at the time managed to retrieve 2 bodies from it which are buried at the Berlin War Cemetery and I believe the head of another crew member, the rest were still on board and it sank into the swamp. Due to the swamp drying out the wreckage was pushed to the surface and a small part of the tail is partially visible. this was found in 2002 but it has taken this long to identify and then get permission to excavate. This is estimated to cost about 50,000 euros and hence another reason for the delay, but I believe that funding may have been found and work may commence later this year. The MOD will not get involved until the bodies have been exhumed then they will take over and give them a full burial at the Berlin War Cemetery. Neither the UK nor the German Governments will get involved in Archaeological digs, but if bodies are found they have a duty of care to arrange a fitting Burial. As for the plane itself, any remove artefacts will be taken to the Finowfurt Aviation Museum nr Berlin and put on display, I also expect knowing the guys from the LAO that a few pieces will be presented to the families of the Airmen

I hope this explains a little

Thanks

Ian Hill

Thanks for highlighting that, one to follow.