"Squadron" of lost Spitfires found in Burma

[Rick the Librarian]

As there seems to be a fair amoiunt of interest in military aircraft on this forum, I found a link on the CMP forum to this story - using ground penetrating radar and other technology, a British gentleman found what may be as many as 20 crated Spitfire Mk. XIVs buried in Burma. Although the article (link below) says they may be in pristine condition, I can't agree, after 65+ years in the tropical ground. According to the story, there was some attempt at preservation before they were buried. Still, it would be interesting to see what is (literally) unearthed.

Hope they have more luck and it takes less time than the early B-17 discovered in a swamp in New Guinea over 30 years ago. It took over 10 years to finally get the aircraft back to the U.S. (and I'm sure a lot of bribes).

Link to story:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news..._206526-1.html

[Guamsst]

Actually, since they are now restoring aircraft from rust and oil stains, if even the basic structure is in fair shape, these are a great find.

[Barryeye]

Good news indeed. Too few of them survived. If they can be salvaged I shudder to think what they would fetch on an open market. Just who do they belong to? Bit like the cache of Martini rifles found in Nepal. A real bonus for collectors.

[John L. Lucci]

Likely in fairly good shape if they went into the ground pickled in their crates.

[DRAGONFLYDF]

if you have a data plate, you can build a spitfire. A MkII Spit was recently completed that started out as a firewall and part of a wing found burried on a beach.

[kcw]

Actually, since they are now restoring aircraft from rust and oil stains, if even the basic structure is in fair shape, these are a great find.

In the early 1990's I met a young couple that was about to leave for the Pacific to do missionary work in remote island areas. I asked about what preparations they'd undergone for the trip (ie. shots , ect.) One of the more interesting things was a U.S. government warning regarding the salvaging of parts off of WWII Japanese military aircraft that might be laying out in what is now the jungle. Of course these young people had given absolutely no thought to doing such a thing, however they were warned that they might be approached by certain persons offering to pay for their help in obtaining parts from various locations.

[Griff Murphey]

If it s fun, the government will try to make it illegal.

[jaie5070]

Anyone remember the P-38 pulled out of the ice in Greenland (i think)? With all the ice and glaciers melting faster, I wonder if anyone is keeping their eyes on other aircraft still burried in the ice.
john

[Louis of PA]

Over twenty five years ago, I met the man who landed his P-38 on the Greenland ice cap. He went in first to see if the surface was OK for landing; the rest of the flight followed, then the B-17 or B-24. They used the bomber for shelter until rescued.

[da gimp]

neat