Hi simfranck,

It could indeed be one of these but which one is difficult without any
part of a serial. Funny thing is that we have already recovered JB803
during 2003 and was even reported upon at flypast forum. it came down
very close to the lake near Muiden but the crew drowned after
baling out but were blown over the lake unfortunately.
Thats the problem with the lost bombers site and bomber command losses for instance where the info is only known from one side. We have a lot more
information about the other side. but its not easy
Thanks for your effort though
Cheers
Cees

… and I will say it again, you guys are doing a terrific job and should be commended for your efforts in returning the lost crews to their families if possible.
Regarding the halifax, would it not be possible to scan over the wreck wth sonar and then pick out certain areas to investigate?

Hmmm a lancaster centre section? I know someone who would be interested in that.

Peter,

The lake is too shallow for sonar equipment, we do have a fishfinder but even then the use is limited. This is also the reason so many wrecks have remained untouched since the war.
Cees

ROTFL good one Elliott ! 😀

TT

No, we need a big pump if we fail to find the drainingplug in the middle of the lake.:diablo:

Cees

Hi Cees,
Not sure if I’ve asked this before but is it known what wrecks lie within the IJsselmeer or is it a case of only knowing when an airframe is discovered?

Hi Tony,

Well it starts with an unidentified aircraft wreck and they we come in. In this case we found a manufacturers stamp with the letters E E P wich meant that the English Electric factory at Preston built it. Partnumbers also revealed the 57prefix meaning Halifax. But that was it. Next thing to do was to visit the wreck again to try to find a serial (which isn’t easy with British aircraft). But the wreck is smashed and visibility is similar to duck soup which makes it like groping in the dark hoping for some luck.

Only a few wrecks are documented during recovery by the authorities in the fifties and a few after that, but most are still missing without trace. We are breaking new ground here and already one aircraft has been recovered together with five missing Polish aircrew with another to follow with three and we have strong reasons to believe this one has it’s fair share of those as well.
The more reason to find out and bring this to a proper conclusion as well.
Someone has to do it, if that means us, well so be it.

Cheers

Cees