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.

FMI: www.rafmuseum.org.uk