TIGHAR going to the UK in summer 2019

JohnB · **Posted:** Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:42 am

In the latest installment of the group's newsletter, Gillespie has announced the group is headed to the UK next summer to continue their search for Glenn Miller who disappeared over the Channel in a UC-64 Norseman in December, 1944.
This comes after an "initial review" of the case...apparently telling on a reported dredging up if an aircraft "circa 1987" (nice to see they're working from such solid information).
In the December 2017 newsletter, RG said he'd conduct a review of the case and if "nothing disqualifying" turned up, he'd lead a "research trip" in search for new data.
Much to the pleasure of hotel operators and hire car firms in the Home Counties, the trip seems to be officially on.

You've been warned.
You can read an excerpt of his announcement on the Aviation Mysteries forum..

http://aviationmystery.com

He doesn't indicate exactly what he'll do...probably interviewing people who think they found the aircraft 32 years before, and I'd assume going through UK files on the subject (though since the aircraft was American I wonder what the RAF/RN or MoD would have on the disappearance other than notes on the search)?
The fact (as discussed here previously) that this, like his Amelia Earhart theory is one that can never be proved...or disproved...so it will be a never-ending effort (and like the search for AE, one could surmise a long term income stream since that's been his full time job for 25-30 years).

After 75 years, there aren't likely any remains of the steel tube, fabric and wood aircraft other than the engine. And IF the engine is found (after all they're can't be many radials in the Channel) I wonder if there is a way to positively match it to Miller's aircraft?

If one were cynical, you could say this expedition is either a free vacation for the two person paid staff of the group...Gillespie and his wife...or an attempt to get media attention to attract new members (and donations) by piggybacking on the interest in the war generated by the 75th anniversary of D-Day scheduled for the same time.I
No doubt they'll be making a play for as much media attention as possible.

Hopefully the media and UK public won't be too gulliblle.

PinecastleAAF · **Joined:** Fri May 25, 2007 4:50 pm **Posts:** 1028

Should result in some entertaining posts on the Key forum. Get the popcorn ready.

quemerford · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:19 pm **Posts:** 1594

A free vacation!!!??? How very rude. I'm sure Mr G and wife would only spend their vacation time in much warmer climes - the Pacific somewhere possibly. No - this must finally be the real thing, so I expect to see lots of press releases, many promises of discoveries, possibly a mention of a forthcoming video or a book, a sprinkling of scientific peer-reviewed reports, press coverage and so on. So yes - a great deal will be done on this trip.

I also expect them to find nothing new or of any worth, and to rubbish anything that might prejudice a return visit.

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 744