The Swamp Ghost - Discovered, Salvaged, then Impounded

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by Salvage Sailor, Aug 7, 2006.

  1. Salvage Sailor

    Salvage Sailor Junior Member

    Aloha Everyone,

    For some time now I've been following the story of the 'Swamp Ghost', a B-17E delivered to the USAAF on December 8th, 1941 (41-2446). She was among the first US bombers sent to the Pacific theater to stem the Japanese advance in World War II.

    Flying over 2,200 miles unescorted, this bomber participated in America's first mission in New Guinea. Over Rabaul, the crew elected to go around for second run after a malfunction. Intercepted by fighters, it force landed in a swamp in northern New Guinea. During Australian Army training excercises in October 1972, the bomber was rediscovered from the air and the Aussies landed to investigate. Reportedly, when inspecting her, they discovered cigarette butts in the ash trays and even a thermos in the cockpit. All the machine guns, ammunition and instruments were intact, a sure sign that she had been undisturbed since 1942. Swamp Ghost is the nickname this bomber has come to be known around the world.

    After several aborted attempts, she was finally salvaged this year, and then seized by the PNG government. Her fate is now uncertain as she sits impounded in New Guinea.

    The full story which will be updated as events unfold is on Pacific Wrecks Database (including photos from her crash in 1942, her rediscovery, and salvage).

    Swamp Ghost
    http://www.theswampghost.com/

    Anchor's Aweigh
    Craig

    Image from Google Earth prior to salvage
     
  2. morse1001

    morse1001 Very Senior Member

    Aloha Everyone,

    For some time now I've been following the story of the 'Swamp Ghost', a B-17E delivered to the USAAF on December 8th, 1941 (41-2446). She was among the first US bombers sent to the Pacific theater to stem the Japanese advance in World War II.

    Flying over 2,200 miles unescorted, this bomber participated in America's first mission in New Guinea. Over Rabaul, the crew elected to go around for second run after a malfunction. Intercepted by fighters, it force landed in a swamp in northern New Guinea. During Australian Army training excercises in October 1972, the bomber was rediscovered from the air and the Aussies landed to investigate. Reportedly, when inspecting her, they discovered cigarette butts in the ash trays and even a thermos in the cockpit. All the machine guns, ammunition and instruments were intact, a sure sign that she had been undisturbed since 1942. Swamp Ghost is the nickname this bomber has come to be known around the world.

    After several aborted attempts, she was finally salvaged this year, and then seized by the PNG government. Her fate is now uncertain as she sits impounded in New Guinea.

    The full story which will be updated as events unfold is on Pacific Wrecks Database (including photos from her crash in 1942, her rediscovery, and salvage).

    Swamp Ghost
    http://www.theswampghost.com/

    Anchor's Aweigh
    Craig

    Image from Google Earth prior to salvage

    The British aviation mag Flypast carried a small article on the travils of the swamp ghost as well!
     
  3. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    The way it goes in PNG. Seems like someone left a few palms ungreased.
     
  4. Herroberst

    Herroberst Senior Member

    Boo...:)

    I just had to!

    I love old restorations and salvage. Would love to dive at Truk. Great story.
     
  5. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

  6. Andy in West Oz

    Andy in West Oz Senior Member

    Of all the people to recover her as well Rob Greinert would have to be one of the best as he knows the area, respects the locals and the heritage. It would seem that permission was given but not by the right person. It's all too complicated but I'm glad she's been recovered.
     

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