Dornier Do-17 Found In The English Channel 68 Years After It
Was Shot Down
A twin-engined Dornier Do-17 - known universally as 'The Flying
Pencil' - emerged from an area knows as the Goodwin Sands in the
English Channel two years ago, and the RAF Museum has been working
with Wessex Archaeology since then to complete a full survey of the
wreck site. The ultimate goal is the aircraft's recovery and
eventual display at Hendon, where it will form the centrepiece of
the recently-announced Battle of Britain Beacon project.
The aircraft is said to be in remarkable condition, considering
the events surrounding its loss and the effects of spending so many
years underwater. Other than marine concretions it is largely
intact - the main undercarriage tires are still inflated and the
propellers clearly show the damage inflicted during the aircraft's
final landing.
The aircraft was part of a large enemy formation intercepted by
RAF fighter aircraft at midday on August 26th, 1940, as they
attempted to attack airfields in Essex. The Dornier carried a crew
of four, and was loaded with 2,000 pounds of bombs. Boulton Paul
Defiant fighters attacked the Dorniers at 13,000ft over Deal, in
Kent, before they reached their intended target. They claimed at
least six Dorniers destroyed and one damaged for the loss of three
of their own aircraft and two air gunners killed.
One of the Dorniers, flown by Feldwebel (Flight Sergeant) Willi
Effmert, attempted a wheels-up landing on the Goodwin Sands. He
touched down safely but the aircraft sank inverted. Effmert and his
observer were captured but the other crewmen died, and their bodies
were washed ashore later.
"The discovery of the Dornier is of national and international
importance. The aircraft is a unique and unprecedented survivor
from the Battle of Britain. It is particularly significant because,
as a bomber, it formed the heart of the Luftwaffe assault and the
subsequent Blitz," said Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye, Director
General of the RAF Museum.
The RAF Museum, with the support of English Heritage and the
Ministry of Defence, is now developing a recovery plan to protect
the aircraft from any further damage and to provide for its long
term preservation. There is concern, however, that material has
recently been removed illegally from the wreck site - although a
number of items have now been retrieved.
"The Dornier will provide an evocative and moving exhibit that
will allow the museum to present the wider story of the Battle of
Britain and highlight the sacrifices made by the young men of both
air forces and from many nations," said Air Vice-Marshal Dye. Work
to conserve and prepare the Dornier for display will be undertaken
at the RAF Museum's award-winning conservation center at Cosford,
where the Dornier will be placed alongside the museum's Vickers
Wellington, which is currently undergoing long term
restoration.