Warbird recoveries in last week – Australia – P-43 Lancer and P-51 Mustang

No one thought that in 1991 we would find two spitfires,three Hastings,a sea hawk,a Canberra a stuka and lots of other bits in a scrap yard in Malta.We also pulled a very good condition SeaFire (MB293) from the sea. Then in 1997 we pulled a Hurricane Z3055 from 42 metres of SALT WATER its now standing ground run able.

There are lots of things currently as good waiting to be lifted so you doubting thomas’s need to pull your necks in and be prepared to eat your hats.Fine a lot of Bovine excreta out there on some alleged wrecks but there is still the real thing out there but patience is needed not criticism.

Mike E

www.whirlwindfighterproject.org

Hmmmm, an odd thing to say, and while I sincerely doubt that these aircraft will eventuate, seems to me it’s a more modest fantasy than 60 Spitfires that have driven this forum and most of the British media – and your PM – into a lather.

Where I live we have a President…not much of one, but it was the best the colonials could come up with.

Thanks Daniel:)

When I received copies of these images three years ago from the current owner they were dated 11 November 2002.

I see Peter Smythe has dated them now on the WIX forum as 11 November 2001.

Mark

OK if you look up Gawler Aviation and Military Museum (the organisation linked to the names on the faceboo bookk) you have to find http://www.gammsa.com.au no longer exists

however it is archived on the way back machine

http://web.archive.org/web/20040222051943/http://www.gammsa.com.au/otherincidents.htm

Of all the aircraft that crashed into Lake Victoria only 1 Wirraway remains missing. Of the others

“Flight Sergeant Kenneth George Wolkenhaar RAAF died on 21 December 1943 when his Spitfire aircraft crashed into the bank of Lake Victoria. Wolkenhaar misjudged the height of sand dunes and during evasive actions, crashed. Wolkenhaar survived the initial crash but died nearly four hours later as a result of the serious injuries he sustained. His is buried at the Mildura War Cemetery. Research indicates Wolkenhaar suffered poor vision, this was recorded on his service file, along with numerous warnings about his erratic flying manoeuvres. The aircraft was so badly damaged and destroyed by fire that it was buried and left on site.”

This is the aircraft were are discussing as a possiblity MA395 / A58-241 – I note that bits were ‘buried on site’

“The book” mentions that for MA395 / A58-241 “Tail section Recovered” and along and wing – I see a tail section in the photo (having seen the full size pictures now)

The owners of the photos has told me it isnt that airframe and it wasnt 2002.

It was another aircraft, another location in Australia and taken during 2001.

So how can you prove that the aircraft and 2002?
What other proof?

Then I must be wrong. 😉

Mark

A Fosters tv advert from years ago suddenly springs to mind:

Aren’t any sharks in here are there?
Noooooooo, crocodiles ate all the sharks………..

The owners of the photos has told me it isnt that airframe and it wasnt 2002.

It was another aircraft, another location in Australia and taken during 2001.

So how can you prove that the aircraft and 2002?
What other proof?

Many thanks.

Indeed MA395 / A58-241 taken on 11 November 2002.

Mark

I guess you have to be signed up to facebook to view this?

Mark

yes … unless someone does this:

FB Spitfire pics by martinperry77, on Flickr

Ok just been sent tonight it seems more photos – Here you go a unknown recovery from within Victoria in 2001.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3948364387173.2137352.1221968213&type=1
Anyone got claims for this or know more?

I guess you have to be signed up to facebook to view this?

Mark

As with all things Aussie, I’ll believe it when I see the photos. It’s like they invented conspiracy theories as a national sport.

Hmmmm, an odd thing to say, and while I sincerely doubt that these aircraft will eventuate, seems to me it’s a more modest fantasy than 60 Spitfires that have driven this forum and most of the British media – and your PM – into a lather.

Ok just been sent tonight it seems more photos – Here you go a unknown recovery from within Victoria in 2001.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3948364387173.2137352.1221968213&type=1
Anyone got claims for this or know more?

you really dont know what could be “out there”…. remember barns and farms hold all kind of things…

They also seem to have a lot of manure too. 😉

I have today been in further contact with the party who is recovering warbirds and they have promised to me about 5 photos relating to this Spitfire recovery in 2001.

No word yet on their P-43 and P-51 photos… but the owners have said they may consider my request WHEN they are ready to share as i have asked politely….

As with all things Aussie, I’ll believe it when I see the photos. It’s like they invented conspiracy theories as a national sport.

Page 192 of ‘the boo’?

Mark

Ok so what the story in MA395 then?

Well done Daniel for being privvy to this gen,always good to hear of a new recovery.Will you post photos?,it would be really great to see them.

Any finds of possible airframes or parts in this day and age is most welcome news! Look forward to updates.