Battle of Britain Hurricane ‘Dig’Takes Place

AVIATION ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered parts from Hawker Hurricane I P3966 in marshland just north of the Thames estuary in Essex. The 85 Squadron fighter was being flown by Plt Off John ‘Paddy’Hemingway when it was attacked by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 on 26 August 1940. The pilot baled out and landed unhurt. He survived the Battle of Britain and went on to have an illustrious career in the RAF.

The Hurricane’s crash site was identified and investigated by members of the Thameside Aviation Group in 1987/1988.

However, extremely difficult conditions meant that all of the wreckage wasn’t found.

The new dig, using specialist equipment developed in recent years, began in late March and managed to locate items at a much greater depth.