During her finest hour, the United Kingdom's Supermarine Spitfire fighters saved her from doom. Sadly, only thirty-five survive in flying condition. That number may increase, thanks to the discovery of twelve that were buried underground in packing crates in Burma in 1945.
After hearing veterans mention burying them, David Cundall spent fifteen years searching for the Spitfires. He's now located them. The great news is that it may be possible to dig them up and restore them:
And why were they buried in the first place?
Link -via Ace of Spades HQ | Photo: Bonhams
After hearing veterans mention burying them, David Cundall spent fifteen years searching for the Spitfires. He's now located them. The great news is that it may be possible to dig them up and restore them:
Mr Cundall said: “We sent a borehole down and used a camera to look at the crates. They seemed to be in good condition.”
And why were they buried in the first place?
“In 1945, Spitfires were ten a penny. Jets were coming into service. Spitfires were struck off charge, unwanted. Lots of Spitfires were just pushed off the back of aircraft carriers into the sea.
“On land, you couldn’t leave them for the locals – they might have ended up being used against you. It was a typical British solution: 'Let’s bury them lads.’ They might have planned to come back and dig them up again. They never did.”
Link -via Ace of Spades HQ | Photo: Bonhams
hope they are in better condition than
Oklahoma centennial time capsule car...
"“They were just buried there in transport crates,” Mr Cundall said. “They were waxed, wrapped in greased paper and their joints tarred. They will be in near perfect condition.” Amazing, truly amazing! Please keep us updated if you get more info.