The recovery operation for a downed WWII bomber that lay at the bottom of the IJsselmeer, was successfully completed. Skeletal remains of deceased soldiers found inside were also recovered, ANP reports.
The bomber involved is the Vickers Wellington. It was shot down over 75 years ago by German anti-aircraft guns. According to data, there were six Polish soldiers on board when the plane was shot down during the early hours of May 9th, 1941. Three victims were found and buried at the time. The others’ remains were left in the bomber.
The victims belonged to the Polish Air Force units who fled to Britain after the invasion of their country.
Over the past few weeks, hundreds of pieces of the plane were removed from the bottom of the IJsselmeer, including a propeller, a part of the landing gear and name tags. At first sight, the result seems to be “a container full of scrap”, a spokesperson for the municipality of De Friese Meren said to ANP. But “with a little imagination you can see a plane”.
Exactly what will happen to what remains of the plane is unclear at this stage. According to the spokesperson, they will probably first go to the recovery service in Soesterberg. “Perhaps there is a museum with interest in it.”
Another historic bomber will be flown over the site on Monday as a tribute to the Polish crew.
