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Flypast and the 109.....

Posted by Tony on Tue Aug 27, 2002 07:59:11 AM

Indian Battle of Britain veteran 'rediscovered'
As we closed for press, a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 was being carefully dismantled in the grounds of technical college in India. This amazing 'find' has been acquired by a preservation group who will restore the aircraft.

Although research into the 'Emil's' past is still underway, the aircraft clearly has an incredible pedigree. It fought in the Battle of Britain and then moved to Germany where it was used by a fighter training school.

It was then issued for operational service in North Africa. Here it was captured by the British and repainted with RAF roundels. Via one route or another it was gifted to India and is known to have flown there for a period of time. The 'E-1's flying career came to a halt when it was belly-landed after a display.

Without the capability to effect repairs, the Messerschmitt was gifted to the technical college. It has lain in the grounds there up until its recent 'discovery'.

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