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Off topic...Spitfire recovery

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  • Off topic...Spitfire recovery

    The BBC is broadcasting a three part series on a Spitfire recovery. Meanwhile, in the US, we get "I Love Lucy" re-runs...

    Spitfire Recovery Unearths Unique Story



    An RAF Spitfire flown by American pilot Roland "Bud" Wolfe dug itself deep into an Irish hillside on Nov. 30, 1941, after he bailed out, and now, 70 years later, that aircraft has been recovered. The recovery effort included an aviation historian, a team of archaeologists and the BBC, and will serve as the subject of a documentary. According to the Derry Journal, a newspaper from the town where the aircraft had been based, Wolfe had joined the RAF before America's official entry into the war and lost his U.S. citizenship because of it. He'd been flying on patrol near the north coast of Ireland when his engine began to rapidly overheat and he bailed out. Wolfe was detained by members of the Local Defence Force and held by the Irish Army, but escaped on Dec. 13, leading to what may be an even more unusual story.

    When Wolfe made it back to RAF Eglinton, his base (now the City of Derry Airport), he was arrested. Authorities in England and Ireland determined that they did not approve of the manner of Wolfe's escape. As a result of that conclusion, Wolfe was then delivered by his own side back to his captors in then-neutral Ireland. Ireland's position of neutrality meant that it sought to prevent circumstances that could undermine its neutrality in the eyes of all non-neutral nations. Wolfe was ultimately released in 1943. Historian John McNee described Wolfe to the Derry Journal as "possibly the only allied escapee of WWII who was returned to his prison camp because his superiors did not agree with the manner of his escape." Artifacts recovered from the crash site of Wolfe's Spitfire include the aircraft's Browning .303 machine guns, its Rolls Royce Merlin Engine, propeller, and Wolfe's helmet, with his initials inside. The items will eventually be delivered for display at the Tower Museum in Derry. The story of the recovery will become a three-part series called Dig WW2, to be broadcast by the BBC NI, in 2012.

  • #2
    Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

    im bringing an mk26b 90% scale replica to reno this year to race in the sport class, as long everything goes right this week

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    • #3
      Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

      Ricky and Lucy.....Alrighty!...."Borrrrrnn in the U.S.AAAAaaaaa..."





      Can't wait to see that scaled Spit race....That will bring new life to the class. Imagine a "Mini-Warbird" sport class for such craft.

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      • #4
        Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

        Originally posted by f1-69 View Post
        im bringing an mk26b 90% scale replica to reno this year to race in the sport class, as long everything goes right this week
        Sir, you are SUCH an asset and blessing to this sport! Your imagination, moxie and determination to compete are, perhaps, second to none!

        Wayne Sagar
        "Pusher of Electrons"

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        • #5
          Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

          Recently they recovered a Dauntless that looks like it is in amazing shape. It would be cool to see one besides the planes of fame flying!
          Reno from '99 to '22

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          • #6
            Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

            What does she use for power ? I already have my camera's loaded. Rad

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            • #7
              Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

              f1-69 could you contact me please i sent you a pm but no response
              dave
              www.davemorss.com

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              • #8
                Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

                What a neat aircraft!!!!
                Campbell Aviation, New Zealand Agent, Supermarine Spitfire, all metal kit, 90% scale kit aircraft, warbird replica

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                • #9
                  Re: Off topic...Spitfire recovery

                  They are pretty neat looking little replica's...
                  BTW did you check out the campbell helmets.. they are an awesome helmet, nearly every warbird pilot here in NZ uses them and looking a their website, Steve Hinton is also a wearer..., they are bone domes with the look of the classic leather helmet
                  Last edited by kiwiracefan; 07-09-2011, 12:20 AM.
                  race fan, photographer with more cameras than a camera store

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