Spitfire to be raised from bog after 70 years

[Air_Force_Vet]

Looks like they are gonna dig a Spitfire out of a bog in Ireland...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0623/1224299454895.html

[daveymac82c]

I wonder what kind of condition the expect the airframe to be in.

To all the knowledgeable folks out there, what kind of corrosion could be expected after long term "storage" in moss/bog conditions?

Regardless, this is a neat discovery.

Peace,

David M

[JägerMarty]

I'm no expert but if it's anything like the Russian T34 tank pulled out of a bog a few years ago, it could be in surprisingly good condition!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7boxp1S ... r_embedded

[daveymac82c]

Yeah, that video and the tank are remarkable, but I can only assume that the Spitfire will be a fairly crumpled looking airplane. As well, the tank is made of much thicker metal compared to the Spit.

That being said, I hope you're right.

Peace,

David M

[Pathfinder]

The pilot's name is given incorrectly in the article. It should be Roland L. Wolfe (with an E). 133 Sqn RAF --Eagle Sqn!

[The Inspector]

Centuries old dead bodies have been dug out of bogs in Ireland and Germany looking like they had died yesterday. A couple of years ago the Russians dug up some poor soul in the remains of his fighter from the Great Patriotic War and he was so well preserved that the color photos were almost disturbing to look @. Take away the oxygen and things don't rust or deteriorate, and wet peat is perfect for that.

[daveymac82c]

I googled, and found out that this Spitfire's recovery will be featured on the BBC show "DIG WW2"

I can't wait to see pictures of its condition when they recover her.

Peace,

David M

[Pathfinder]

Two or three photos of him in this book...and the story of his unique captivity in Ireland after he jumped....

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ykyT ... 22&f=false

Deceased in Miami, FL in 28 JAN 1994. Obits 1-5 Feb 1994 in Miami Herald

[Richard W.]

I googled, and found out that this Spitfire's recovery will be featured on the BBC show "DIG WW2"

I can't wait to see pictures of its condition when they recover her.

Peace,

David M

Hi David- I am unable to find anything about this program in a search. Would you link it? Thanks

[daveymac82c]

Hey Richard,

It's only mentioned in this message board thread:

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?p=1763648

Sorry, that's all I've got.

Peace,

David M

[Richard W.]

Thanks David- Sounds like a great idea for a show.

[Django]

Here's a better article. A survivor of the Eagle Squadron!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... reland.htm

[tom d. friedman]

anything that comes out of a bog is always well preserved & in remarkable shape. i think the most common denominator is the lack of oxygen w/ the right combination of acidity & alkalinity of the peat.

[Pathfinder]

Better article link hit a wall....this is the google archive link for that article...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... eland.html

Just to tidy up the photo reference in the article, there were three Eagle Squadrons. Their fuselage codes were as follows: 71Sqn XR; 121Sqn AV and 133Sqn MD. Wolfe was in 133 Sqn. The plane in the photo is a later Mk than that flown by the Eagles.

[Pathfinder]

Tom--

Reports are that the plane went in vertical---so terminal velocity is going to have some bearing on the condition. I saw the depth estimate as 17 feet under. They may wind up pulling the Merlin out of the tail wheel compartment.