25 January 2023
+VIDEO How do you find a WWII Spitfire that crash-landed on the Norfolk Broads 80 years ago and sunk into the water and mud? First, you do as much research as possible to narrow the search but to pin-point the wreckage, you need an electro-magnetic search.
And that’s precisely the stage that’s been reached by researcher David Daniells who has spent years on similar projects. This one is nicknamed ‘Lady in the Lake’.
David launched a Crowdfunder appeal to raise £5,500 to pay for the electro-magnetic survey – and has already passed the total with £5,890 pledged by 0830 this morning.
Any surplus raised will go towards the eventual task of recovering the Spitfire, which is known to have split into sections.
David said in the appeal, “I have, for many years, been involved in the research, recovery and restoration of Spitfires with various groups and individuals. Some are now flying, some are under restoration and some are awaiting their turn.
The sunken Spitfire is similar to this one, a Vb seen at RAF Hornchurch
“There is one, probably the last in the UK, that remains where she came to rest. Various attempts have been made to locate AD377, a Spitfire Vb, known to have force landed in the Norfolk Broads.
“The paper trail is confused and contradictory, the eye witnesses are long gone. However by detailed examination of the evidence, patient untangling of the web, careful reconstruction of the circumstances and a fluke of good luck I believe I know where our Lady of the Lake lies patiently awaiting rescue.
“To add spice, AD377 is a Vb, an early mark of the breed with a substantial operational history and her last pilot a revered Czech war hero with a back story worthy of a Hollywood film.”
Apparently, the owners of the site are supportive of the project and the Ministry of Defence has said it will issue a licence to recover should the project be successful.
David’s Crowdfunder appeal is still live and the fascinating story of how the crash occurred after engine failure at low level. There’s also a detailed account of the exploits of the pilot Czech war hero, Flying Officer Rudolf Borovec, who survived the accident.
