WIX Archives
Lancaster HK574
Posted by Harm Jan Strating on Fri Sep 07, 2001 08:42:19 AM
In reply top null posted by null on null
Hi all,
In his book Luck and a Lancaster the author, H. Yates DFC of 75 squadron RNZAF, tells a story on the ditching of Lancaster HK574 R-Roger of 75 squadron in the night of 6 december 1944.
The aircraft apparently ditched in the River Orwell and stayed afloat for a considerable time, giving its crew ample time to escape unhurt. The book states that at the time, while the aircraft was still afloat, some pieces of equipment were recovered by the RAF after which the aircraft sank to the bottom of the river. In the 90's some enthousiast allegedly staged a limited dig, exposed the hull and recovered several artefacts. Afterwards the aircraft was left to rest once more.
As the aircraft was afloat for a considerable time and all crew escaped unhurt it is my guess that the aircraft was not too severely damaged in the ditching. As only smaller pieces of equipment were ever recovered major parts of the aircraft should still be in the river.
oes anyone have any info on the dig performed in the 90's or on the condition the remains might be in at the moment?
Thanks in advance,
Harm-Jan Strating