WW2 Aircraft Wrecks in the English channel(2008)

After this length of time underwater, I can only assume that there would be little left mainly large items like engines etc..?

In response to anyone seeking information regarding WW2 aircraft wrecks around the U/K and French/Dutch/Belgian/German/Danish/Norwegian coasts –
I am reading a very interesting book about WW2 Air/Sea Rescue Airborne Lifeboats – the title is – RESCUE FROM THE SKIES -The story of the Airborne Lifeboat by Stephen Brewster Daniels. ISBN 0-11-772761-X. Printed by H.M.S.O. It gives many accounts of ditched aircraft and more importantly, the last known navigation co-ordinates transmitted by these aircraft. No doubt many of them have deteriorated too much for salvage but it gives an idea of the number and types that went down. Very interesting reading for myself having served in the RAF in Coastal Command based at RAF Northwod in 1964/65 as a telegraphist/W.Opr(ground duties).
R. Braga

Can I just say that Barry’s Airfix Spitfire is the dogs hangers and would personally be thrilled to own such a thing as a full size plastic Spitfire.

Back too the wrecks, I tend to follow the wreck sites found in the Pacific jungles and oceans around there. The amount of wrecks of F4U’s, A6M’s and the likes is vast but the ones in the sea bed, albeit covered in coral, survive remarkably well, but the government forbids the recovery of any airframes I believe as a mark of respect for the crews and they’re families.

Photo origin unknown.

That’s an Aichi Seaplane, identified some time ago.

John

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88668&highlight=Aichi+E13A

John

Photo origin unknown.

This was posted on a couple of websites quite some time ago. and I identified it as a Aichi E13A Jake floatplane (sans floats). The “panel” holes are misleading as are the missing wintips and more info as to the site has appeared on the web in recent times.

John

The Med has more water evaporation, which should leave a higher salt content than the Channel, which is open to the Atlantic. Depth and oxygen levels play quite a factor too…

That’s an Aichi Seaplane, identified some time ago.

John

More info please?

The fact it has curved leading edges, and aircraft such as the Seiran don’t, would lead me to say otherwise. The wing shape looks much more like a clipped wing Spit, given that the holes in the top surfaces are where you’d likely find cannon bays.

Original pic

Compare this:

Rather than this:

Regards,

Ric

The Baltic provides the best preservation for underwater wrecks although research there tends towards wooden ships which have been located in incredible condition.

Thanks John!

Viewing objects through water is always misleading. I guess half the time the movement of water distort things and the other half your mind makes up.

Regards,

Ric

Maybe its because wood lasts longer than metal under those circumstances, look at the Mary Rose and how long she was under water for although not a lot left, it was considerably more than what would be left of a metal fighter or bomber. Saying that, I wonder if any Mosquito’s are in the sea that belly landed, but then again, would they sink being made of wood?

Oh and I apologise to Barry for the attack on his ‘Spitfire’

Its just me then.

My point refers to the B-17 engines

I offered to look after them correctly but this was declined by the beach owner ten years ago.

Nope.

I miss your point, Me109E.

What does this refer to?

Is it just me??

I know these B17 engines well and can confirm they are preserved by Barry for all to enjoy. Along with the Spitfire ( tupperware indeed!!), and many other artifacts from our aviation heritage, they are displayed in an ideal location next to one the most famous airbases in the Southwest, if not the country. If they hadn’t been offered to Barry and Barry had not been able to accomodate them, goodness knows where they’d be now……thrown back to the sea to continue to rot?? ….forming a breakwater somewhere, forever forgotten. I’m pleased to hear that one other engine is also in another museum close to the crash site.

This is one B17 and crew whose story will not be forgotten quickly thanks to one dedicated individual who found these engines a home.

As for the “attack” on Barry’s Spitfire ……..well at least he’s got one, and a fine lady she is too !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep it up Baz!

Missed the point totally

I offered to recover these engines from the beach and have them imersed in purpose built tanks with fresh water that would be changed a couple times a month to remove the salt etc.

This offer was declined and they now sit in the open air rotting away as far as I know.

Dornier 215 off the Dutch coast

Ok can we get back to the original topic please. If this continues it’s downward slide with snide remarks, this thread will be closed and suitable action taken.
Peter Moderator

Nick

You need to go back to my reply ( post 53) in this thread re; your rant at me.

You did not mention then how you would have treated these blades, etc

Please don’t insult peoples intelligence here, you obtain/buy then sell aviation items for profit?

I buy/obtain items for the public to see (free).

The header for post 53

A man’s passion under attack

that still stands, please…………no more snide comments.

Baz

Nick (Me-109E)

Having read back through the posts I have found that you have resurrected something from four or five months ago. Hardly surprising that I (and probably anyone else reading your post) couldn’t immediately see what on earth you were talking about!

However, having read through it all I am afraid that one is drawn inescapably to the conclusion that this is patently a case of sour grapes on your part. Why else your posts? You clearly dont like the fact that he has them and you dont.

Uncalled for, unnecessary and pointless. Also, its unfair on Barry.