WIX Archives

Re: Combat Survivors

Posted by Cees on Wed Jun 26, 2002 02:30:05 AM

In reply top Combat Survivors posted by Jim H on Tue Jun 25, 2002 01:31:06 PM

Interesting topic Jim,

In my book (but I am terribly biased of course) there is a very very good candidate for a true combat veteran.

Halifax II W1048. The aircraft was shot down by the Tirpitz and crashed on a frozen lake in 1942, only to be recovered in 1973.

Its airframe has never been restored apart from some equipment, an engine and the nose turret and is as original as you can get. Having had the chance to inspect it very closely some weeks ago I was amazed to see in what good condition the airframe actually is. GET HER RESTORED!!!!!
(sorry couldn't resist that one).

Furhtermore:

Also Halifax NA337 was shot down near Hamar in 1945 an under rebuild in Canada as we know.

Lancaster R5686 "Sugar" now at the RAFM at Hendon a veteran of some 138 missions.

Lancaster G for George now under restoration at the Australian War Memorial.

The RAFM Hampden now under restoration.

Actually, any intact airframe recovered from a crashsite in Europe and Russia could be classed a combat veteran.

Cees

Follow Ups: