World War II was marked by intense battles and significant losses, both on land and in the skies. Over the decades, numerous aircraft from the conflict have been rediscovered, offering historians and enthusiasts a tangible connection to the past. This article explores some of the most intriguing World War II aircraft discoveries, including those of the Dornier Do 17, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, and other notable finds.
1. Dornier Do 17: The Flying Pencil
The Dornier Do 17, affectionately nicknamed the "Flying Pencil" due to its slim, elongated design, was a key bomber used by the German Luftwaffe.
During World War II, it became notorious for its role in the Battle of Britain. In 2013, a significant discovery was made when salvage crews recovered a Dornier Do 17 from the bottom of the English Channel, where it had rested for over seventy years.
The aircraft had been lost during a 1940 bombing raid over Essex, England. After being intercepted by British fighter planes, it was forced to make an emergency landing on Goodwin Sands near Kent. The plane was quickly engulfed by the tides and sunk.
Despite substantial corrosion and damage from the sea, the aircraft was remarkably well-preserved, representing the last surviving example of its kind.
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