P40

Before long it is going to be “Kittyhawk found at Apollo landing site”

…..and these guys (and gals) get paid to write this stuff.

Never put your name to anything Andy!! 😀

Some of the comments on Daily Mail made me laugh as well, as well as picking up on front undercarriage. Will have to remember that one.

Mark

P40

Lee

Interesting comments.

I have left a message with AHB regarding the info stated and will also have to find the son’s book which is somewhere at home. Had forgotten I had that one. Additionally, the son is on my list of people to talk to so will try to speak to him tonight to let him know about the P40 and if there is any additional info he might be able to add.

Whether Hanbury’s log books or other records survived. As he was travelling back from the middle East, I don’t know. must be something to cover the book.

Have you got 260Sqn records and does it confirm Copping undertook a hard landing the night before?

On the 28th the squadron record confirm he left and flew 240 degrees instead of 110. The P40 definitely hit in a directly southern direction at the end of the flight.

Sheppard indicated they flew off together and it would be the norm to fly in pairs at least and especially with damaged aircraft.

I hope to see the Wing, Squadron and RSU records on Saturday to see if they add any additional information.

regards

Mark

P40

Paul,

Need to speak to Buz.

Mark P

Diplomatic talks are going on. Suppose bring it to the press allows for it to be more ‘up front’ though they are not generally sitting back and waiting for things to happen. They are being proactive – as proactive as you can be in a county in flux at the moment.

Mark

P40

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2142300/Crashed-plane-Second-World-War-pilot-Dennis-Copping-discovered-Sahara-desert.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

P40

Hi all

I have read a draft press release (not RAFM) – but the UK press who are breaking the news.

You’ll be glad to know there is no mention of ejecting or jets though this is still dependent on what the newspapers own editors write.

Made a few comments which hopefully will be taken on board if not too late. Otherwise, it is your normal press story you would expect.

I am sure the papers may include incorrect wartime photos (probably showing a Spitfire¬), but the news item is going out with some of the recovery photos from Jakub.

(Simon – just seen your post so obviously too late! “front landing gear”, “Kittyhawk P40”, “Belly flop”. Oh well.)

regards

Mark

I think with the broken canopy perspex, we can all assume there will be no main data plate. Also all of the ID tags to the scolloped perspex area have also gone. There some hope one or two may still remain in hidden locations which we know about.

Also it looks as though the story will hit the British press on Friday so will be interesting to see what will be reported. Sure it will then be in the Aus, NZ, Can and US press before you know it.

Not sure what is being written and what is being said, all I know is what has been said to me, in that you can probably read in Friday/this weekend.

As for confirmation of ID – still waiting!

regards

Mark

P40

Ozjag

I believe all of these photos and videos are all before the web discussion went live.

First set was from end Feb when discovered and intact. Second set March/April with broken perspex etc.

Thats why I am not sure if I want to see current photos!

RAFM were made aware at the same time as the rest of us. Up until the photos were published, it was only known to the survey guys and there Egyptian counterparts but gradually more and more locals know at it

As this P40 was relatively new (assuming date it arrived in theatre and if it is the one we think was lost), I doubt there would be any stenciled cowls/panels etc though might be wrong. Still relying on a couple of ID tags and engine number that may still survive.

Peter – not sure. The radius pattern are marks I have seen on a Bf109E hit with a 20mm cannon shell.

Mark

P40

Shay

I think there are more photos than just those listed, looking at the info on each I think there were a few gaps.

Might be some more photos from the visit planned today tomorrow though not sure I want to see them 🙁 except the ID tag if one is found.

Mark