Having found a photo of a scrapped Lancaster (as per my post on the Only post Lancaster pictures here. thread) I was inspired to revisit 'Tommy Flash & Dogbreath's' excellent website at: Index and was duly hooked on several hours of searching through various websites dedicated to the crash sites of WWII aircraft from all sides - some little more than scrapes in the ground with a few tangled bits of metal but one or two with amazingly whole wrecks, still there after 60 odd years: PORJUS AVRO LANCASTER JUNKERS JU 52, GAEDNOGAISSA, NORWAY Tom.
The below link gives a very detailed account of the Aircraft crash in Widnes in 1941. http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=149475&d=1168123946 Two of the crew were killed and 3 having bailed out were captured. The two casualties were buried in the local cemetery but much later (1960's I believe) were moved to Cannuck. BBC - WW2 People's War - A German plane crashes There is talk about the site being excavated, but I am not sure if this ever led anywhere. Let me dig up German war bomber - Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
Digging on aircraft crashsites is not so straightforward. Written permission has to be obtained from the MOD , if there is any chance of human remains being present or if all munitions are not accounted for you have really no chance of obtaining the paperwork. If you do so without it you are in Court. "Protection of Remains" - I can't recall the exact name and year of the act . All in all we have an odd and I think disrespectful official attitude towards missing aircrew who may still be with their aircraft - "leaving them" seems to be the official approach , my own view is that they should be recovered with all due respect and a decent burial be given. The number of undisturbed sites are probably very few in number and will only found by serious hardcore researschers. Even with the interest and consent of the next of kin it is still almost impossible to get the MOD to move. The Dutch approach I think is much better they have a recovery unit which works to recover aircraft and remains - granted they will often be working on aircraft which often carry a bombload and munitions and there is an interest that sites be cleared safely. History is also served - facts can be reviewed and errors corrected , history is written but above all the poor lads of all nationalities who died can be burioed properly and the "missing" tag removed and closure given to famalies who often know little and have seen parrents and wives fretting for years on what might have happened. Worst thing is people picking over and removing parts - museums are the best place for aircraft parts especiallysignificant parts , not neglected garden sheds. Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (c. 35) - Statute Law Database In respect of naval vessels sunk. The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Designation of Vessels and Controlled Sites) Order 2008 No. 950 Sunday Express - Grave robber divers - BSAC Scuba Diving Forums What the act is in place for , to protect war graves from those who would plunder , disrespect and violate.
There's a rather good book written (Name escapes me) about WW2 aircraft that crashed in the Peak District during the war. By all accounts there was quite a few sadly. Regards Andy
One of the many books available on the subject of WW2 aircraft crashes. Hell on High Ground: World War II Air Crash Sites v.2: Guide to Aircraft Hill Crash Sites in the UK and Ireland: World War II Air Crash Sites Vol 2: David William Earl: Amazon.co.uk: Books
David Earl's website- Homepage And a couple more- Air Crash Sites Scotland Secret Scotland - Home Page The latter isn't specifically for aircraft, but there are a quite a few mentioned.
One of the first things I found out about for my father was what happened to a school friend of his. His name was Alan Marsh and he died in an air crash. Handley Page Hampden L4055 of 83 Squadron RAF crashed near to Holmefirth on the night of the 23rd May 1940 whilst returning from an unsuccessful raid on Munchen Gladbach. All aboard were killed. Pilot-Sergeant Stanley William Jenkins Observer-Sergeant Alan Marsh Wireless Operator / Air gunner-Sergeant William Thornton Air Gunner-Sergeant Peter William Josse http://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/ http://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/pages/peakdistrict/peakdistrictl4055.htm http://peakwreckhunters.blogspot.com/search/label/handley%20page The first link is to the main page of site I found, 2nd link is to actual page of crash and the 3rd I just found yesterday. Cheers Paul
The below link gives a very detailed account of the Aircraft crash in Widnes in 1941. http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=149475&d=1168123946 Two of the crew were killed and 3 having bailed out were captured. The two casualties were buried in the local cemetery but much later (1960's I believe) were moved to Cannuck. BBC - WW2 People's War - A German plane crashes There is talk about the site being excavated, but I am not sure if this ever led anywhere. Let me dig up German war bomber - Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News Enjoyed that Phil, where are you, you sound pretty local. Im in Warrington. Kev
Final Flights by Ian McLachlan is a good read. Final Flights: Dramatic Wartime Incidents Revealed by Aviation Archaeology: Amazon.co.uk: Len Deighton, Ian McLachlan: Books
I feel this is a daft question, but please tell me that someone somewhere in the MoD or RAF has a list of all known sites in the event that the BBMF or a museum or similar ever need replacement parts or try to restore an aircraft? I know that there is a Whirlwind fighter project and I'm sure they would appreciate any help they could get to locate parts. It must be similar for anyone restoring a Spitfire or other WW2 aircraft, so I do hope that these sites are recorded.
There is talk about the site being excavated, but I am not sure if this ever led anywhere. Let me dig up German war bomber - Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News I live in Widnes and as far as i'm aware the excavation project is still on going. As the article in the link above states, Paul Brennan is the person who is trying to get permission to dig up the Heinkel. I've spoke to Paul on a number of ocassions (he has a stall on the local market selling militaria and antiques) during which he has told me of some of his findings during aircraft recovery digs. Enjoyed that Phil, where are you, you sound pretty local. Im in Warrington. Kev Kev, your in my neighbouring town... Are you a Wire fan ?...
I feel this is a daft question, but please tell me that someone somewhere in the MoD or RAF has a list of all known sites in the event that the BBMF or a museum or similar ever need replacement parts or try to restore an aircraft? I know that there is a Whirlwind fighter project and I'm sure they would appreciate any help they could get to locate parts. It must be similar for anyone restoring a Spitfire or other WW2 aircraft, so I do hope that these sites are recorded. Hi Kevin, I came across this during my searches: Military Aircraft Crash Sites : Military Sites : Thematic Research : Understanding & Recording : HELM Tom.
Hi Phil, James, Drew, Peter, Gordon, Tom, Kev & John! - thanks for all your interesting contributions. Here is a superb Norwegian site with a mass of info and photos: World War II Aircraft wrecksites in Norway notably the Tirpitz raid Halifax now at Hendon: Halifax Hoklingen Tom.
The aircrew remembrance Society. Home Page I enjoyed reading over this site , might be interesting to folks. js
The below link gives a very detailed account of the Aircraft crash in Widnes in 1941. http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=149475&d=1168123946 Two of the crew were killed and 3 having bailed out were captured. The two casualties were buried in the local cemetery but much later (1960's I believe) were moved to Cannuck. BBC - WW2 People's War - A German plane crashes There is talk about the site being excavated, but I am not sure if this ever led anywhere. Let me dig up German war bomber - Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News Hi Phil, nice post, I live in Widnes and for me this make very interesting reading, I have been told exactley where the crash site is and I mite go and have a look soon, I mite even take some pictures Dont expect to much though I have been told its now just a depersion in the ground
Phil, your post it somewhat uncanny ... Myself, John and Pegasus where only talking about the very same thing the other day. It seems a shame not to excavate the site in Widnes, after all, the two airmen that died where removed from the crash so I don't see what the problem is. I'm certain Paul would have no shortage of volunteers, there are at least five of us on here who are local and would up shovels and dig in.
The aircrew remembrance Society. Home Page I enjoyed reading over this site , might be interesting to folks. js Interesting Stuff. Their Links are well worth a shufti, some quality sites listed there: Links
You very rarely see props at crash sites , although I am glad the gent came to no serious injury the "Soar Away Sun" - Twingo Bingo in The Sun" have never been one to take anything away from anything in the telling of anything. "In The Sun In the Sun , In The Sun In The Sun".
