140 Crated Spitfires buried in Burma (Myanmar)?

[Keith Webb]

More Burma Spitfires to be discovered.

Here's one of these delightful stories that so often wind up being false. Let's hope that's not the case this time.

Link

British and Burmese authorities could work together to find 20 Spitfires buried in Burma at the end of the World War II, officials say.

The case of the missing planes was raised when PM David Cameron met Burmese President Thein Sein.

A Downing Street source said it was "hoped this will be an opportunity to work with the reforming Burmese government".

The exact location of the planes is unknown.

The planes were buried in 1945 by the RAF amid fears that they could either be used or destroyed by Japanese forces, but in the intervening years they have not been located.

The Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history of aviation
Downing Street
At the time they were unused, still in crates, and yet to be assembled.

Until a general election in 2010, Burma was ruled for almost half a century by a military junta.

It has been reported that experts from Leeds University and an academic based in Rangoon believe they may have identified the sites where the craft are concealed using sophisticated radar techniques.

On Friday, officials said President Thein Sein was "very enthusiastic" about the prospect of finding and restoring the planes.

A Downing Street source said: "The Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history of aviation, playing a crucial role in the Second World War.

"It is hoped this will be an opportunity to work with the reforming Burmese government, uncover, restore and display these fighter planes and get them gracing the skies of Britain once again."

[Wayne Henderson]

Would be great to open the crates to fine 20 unrestored Fairey Battles.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The work of a determined man ....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...-in-Burma.html

[Tony Smith]

This story wasn't released on 1 April, was it? It seems there are some "Burmese Whispers" allowing the story to evolve unchecked.

THIS SITE says the aircraft have already been physically located in February, and arrangements are being finalised to dig them out. Once sanctions are lifted on exporting military equipment from Burma, they're on their way back to the UK.

[Private_collector]

This sounds like it might have 'legs', this story. I hope so anyway.

I regret that I didn't make the effort to investigate a claim my father made, regrading Australian 'machinery' and stores that Dad swore was hidden near Rebaul Harbor. He was no liar, and was also one of the last of Aussie servicemen to leave the area. As his wife (first wife) had died while he was in New Guinea, he was in no hurry to return, so arranged to stay on until 1946.

I just love these stories and the occasional one that proves to be true wets my appetite.

Bring em home lads

[Speedy]

reading that gave me a chill, is this true!
they should televise the find and everything involved. its kind of a big deal!

[Keith Webb]

...no solid evidence yet...

[Wayne McGee]

CBC article says that a British citizen will recover up to 140 Spitfires which were buried by the Americans in Burma immediately after WWII being excess to requirements.
The belief is, that the aircraft are in good shape and the intention is to see many of them capable of flying again.

....I've already put my name down for one!

Cheers

Wayne

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Wayne McGee

CBC article says that a British citizen will recover up to 140 Spitfires which were buried by the Americans in Burma immediately after WWII being excess to requirements.

Crikey, they must be breeding, there were only 20 Spits buried back in April when the story broke. Think the story at the time was they were buried ahead of the Japanese advance, so before the end of the war, a few contradictions in this weeks news versions

[Wayne McGee]

The article stated that earlier this year the number did indeed stand at 20 airframes, however a Burmese (Myanmarian?) archeologist who was assisting said that there was up to 140 aircraft at several locations about the country.
They have a 2yr contract to recover up to 60 aircraft and re-negotiate on recovering the rest.

Cheers

Wayne

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Wayne McGee

The article stated that earlier this year the number did indeed stand at 20 airframes, however a Burmese (Myanmarian?) archeologist who was assisting said that there was up to 140 aircraft at several locations about the country.

Thanks Wayne, I just saw another news item that mentioned 60. With 140 that would have been one giant hole to dig, but if at different locations I can understand that now. Just to pull one out and find it in recoverable condition will be a miracle.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

I've read so much contradicting information on this subject now, I'd say: seeing is believing . . .

H.

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

I've read so much contradicting information on this subject now, I'd say: seeing is believing . . .

Hi Hanno

Re the buried Spitfires in Burma. There is a report today in our daily newspaper. "SA Advertiser," Friday 19/10/2012, regarding the subject . They state that, Aircraft enthusiast, David Cundall spent 15 years and $200,000.00tracking them down. He states that there are 60 planes buried in their transport crates at a secret location 12 metres below ground, to ensure they did not fall into Japenese hands.

The Spifires are believed to be in good condition because they were waxed, wrapped in greased paper and had their joints tarred by RAF crews. Excavation is due to start at the end of the month after an agreement was signed by the British Prime Minister Mr Cameron and the Military Regime in Rangoon.

Mr Cundall started his seaches in 1996 after hearing a throwaway remark from a group of US Veterans who said that Spitfires were buried in Burma. They were shipped to Burma and transported by rail to a British RAF Base in August 1945, they were apparently deemed surplus to requirements.

Mr Cundal tracked down an eye witness who led him to the burial site. He eventually located the the buried planes using ground-penetrating radar equipment. So the dig begins at the end of this month (October 20112).

I look forward to further newspaper reports.

Cheers

Tony

[charlie fitton]

Wayne
__________________
.50 Cal Ammo Can


Gotta respect a man who can justifyably brag about his collection...Tell me Wayne - does your tongue hurt, pressed into your cheek like that?

f

[Wayne McGee]

Hey, I don't like to brag...but, when you got it...flaunt it.

Cheers

Wayne

[universalgrl]

The question begs to be asked "what else was buried along with the spits"
Guns, ammo, support equipment, etc.etc.