Dornier Bomber Raised From The Goodwin Sands

[boxtops]

I don't think this has been posted already - it's amazing!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22850596

(Apparently a family of lobsters were living in the wreck and tipped out as they raised it.) Astounding that the wings are still attached to the plane, too.

[Gromit]

So this is what we are wasting National Lottery Money ( a tax on the poor ) on. Raising enemy aircraft from their grave.

Why?

What is the point?

Will the German tax payer contribute? ( no)

Total waste of money and effort for absolutely nothing.

[Ann]

It's history Gromit. I think it was great too, Boxy ........ hope the lobsters survived! ;)

[Answerprancer]

I am really interested in aviation and aircraft - it's one of my passions, but half a million quid to raise a totally sea-knackered Dornier? Hmm.
Now, if some locals had managed to tow it out with a tractor then put it in the Brenzett aviation museum I'd be more impressed.

[baza]

a piece of history, expensive but still worth it. imo.
If the lobsters want a new home I have a large pot in the kitchen.

[Ann]

Aww Baza - not nice - poor lobsters!

[Answerprancer]

...he's a GEEEEZER Anne, flesh and blood - must have his bashed up and cooked crustacean meat!

[Baldric]

Locals are too busy playing Cricket on the Sands,

I used to be a member of the Goodwin Sands Potholing Club

[ChillDoubt]

This is why, Gromit:

"The discovery and recovery of the Dornier is of national and international importance," said the museum's director general, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye.

"The aircraft is a unique and unprecedented survivor from the Battle of Britain and the Blitz [the intense bombing of London]."

The bomber was only discovered in 2008 when it was spotted by divers.

Work will now begin to conserve the Dornier and prepare it for display at the museum's London site.

Dye said the plane would provide an "evocative and moving exhibit" that would highlight the sacrifices made by young men from all sides.


Thankfully historians have a less blinkered view when it comes to preserving articles of history that are relevant to these Isles.
We had this discussion recently. I argued that IMHO the Dornier has the same historic significance as a Viking longboat, would there be one found in similar circumstances.
The era doesn't matter, it'll be viewed with the same significance by museum goers for decades to come.

[ChillDoubt]

AP,
It's not just A Dornier, it is THE only Dornier 17 of any description left in the world.
We'd be doing history a disservice if we didn't at least have a go at restoring it.

[ludwig]

// So this is what we are wasting National Lottery Money ( a tax on the poor ) on. //

This is exactly the kind of thing lottery money is intended for.

[sandyRoe]

Weren't there some WW11 German bombers in service with the Spanish airforce until well after the war?
When they were decommissioned you'd have thought a collector might have bought them rather than letting them go as scrap.

[sandyRoe]

The might even have been used in the 1969 film, The Battle of Britain. ^

[Booldawg]

looks in better nick than most of the Dan Air planes from the 80s.

[RATTER15]

Amazing!!!

[jomifl]

Gromit, if you can afford lottery tickets you aren't poor.

[Gromit]

Let's introduce a new Scratchcard and raise the Belgrano!

[FredPuli43]

Yes, raise the Belgrano ! She was the USS Phoenix and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. That makes two reasons why she should be raised and preserved.

[boxtops]

Did you, Baldric? The potholers are a great bunch, I've had dealings with some of them in the world outside AB.

It's going to RAF Cosford to be preserved (it takes 2 years apparently), then it will be on permanent display .... somewhere. Yes, it's the last Dornier in the world!

[tonyav]

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2013/06/12/rescued-dornier-bomber-back-on-dry-land/pa-16782269/

Few stills here.