A fascinating discovery has just captured the attention of history and aviation enthusiasts: a WWII aircraft has been found in Greece, 82 years after its disappearance. This relic of the past, a silent witness to a tumultuous era, emerges from the depths to tell its story.
The announcement of this find has aroused a wave of emotion and interest among experts and the general public alike. What secrets could this buried device reveal about the events of the time? The discovery promises to revive collective memory and shed new light on a crucial chapter in world history.
Important discovery of the Baltimore Bomber
A major breakthrough has been achieved with the discovery of the wreck of a Royal Australian Air Force Baltimore bomber, missing since 1943, off the Greek island of Antikythera. The find, made by the Greek technical diving group AegeanTec at a depth of 61 meters, puts an end to 82 years of uncertainty about the crew’s final resting place.
The bomber, involved in a mission during the Second World War, had Australian, New Zealand and British airmen on board. The discovery offers an opportunity to close a painful chapter for the families of the missing, and underlines the importance of efforts to find the 3,143 Australian airmen with no known grave.
Background and Incident of Flight FW282
The Baltimore bomber FW282, operated by RAAF 454 Squadron, was on a mission over the Aegean Sea on December 3, 1943, when it was intercepted by German fighters. The crew included Australian pilot Flight Lieutenant William Alroy Hugh Horsley, British navigator Flight Lieutenant Leslie Norman Row, Australian radio operator/gunner Pilot Officer Colin William Walker, and New Zealand Warrant Officer John Gartside.
After sustaining heavy damage, the aircraft ditched in an emergency. Only pilot Horsley survived, ending up as a prisoner of war in Germany, while his crewmates were reported missing, presumed dead. This recent discovery is a tribute to their courage.
Official reactions and international recognition
The discovery of the Baltimore FW282 bomber has prompted emotional reactions from the heads of the RAAF, RAF and RNZAF air forces. Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of the RAAF, stressed the importance of the find in honoring the 3,143 Australian airmen with no known grave. He expressed his gratitude to AegeanTec for their crucial role in the discovery.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton of the RAF highlighted the courage of the multinational crew, a symbol of the enduring cooperation between the air forces of the three nations. Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb of the RNZAF hoped the discovery would bring relief to the families, while paying tribute to the sacrifice of the missing airmen.
