WIX Archives
Re: Flypast and the 109.....
Posted by Ron Henry on Tue Aug 27, 2002 02:00:24 PM
In reply top 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 bein
: g carefully dismantled in the grounds of technical college
: in India. This amazing 'find' has been acquired by a pres
: ervation group who will restore the aircraft.
:
: Although research into the 'Emil's' past is still underway
: , the aircraft clearly has an incredible pedigree. It foug
: ht in the Battle of Britain and then moved to Germany wher
: e 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 R
: AF roundels. Via one route or another it was gifted to Ind
: ia 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 Messerschmit
: t was gifted to the technical college. It has lain in the
: grounds there up until its recent 'discovery'.
:
Oh, is this the "major find" announcement for which we've been holding our breath during the last month? ;-)
I'm a tad disappointed. Luftwaffe aircraft are OK, but there's more than a handful of 109s around nowadays. I was hoping that the discovery had redeemed some type from extinction.