Rediscovered Relic P-38 Lightning Found on Harlech Beach

Imagine walking along a quiet beach and stumbling upon a piece of history buried for decades. This is what happened near Harlech, Wales, where the wreckage of a rare Lockheed P-38F Lightning was found. Known as the “Maid of Harlech,” this World War II aircraft has a story as unique as its name.

The Lockheed P-38F Lightning, a twin-engine fighter plane, crashed during World War II. The pilot, USAF Lt. Robert Elliott, was on a training flight in September 1942. He was trying to make an emergency landing at the RAF airfield in Llanbedr after his engines failed. Amazingly, Lt. Elliott walked away without injury. Sadly, he was killed just a few weeks later in North Africa. For more than 65 years, the plane lay hidden under the sand until it was rediscovered in 2007. High tides washed away enough sand to reveal part of the aircraft, catching the attention of a passerby.

The Unique Significance and Challenges of “Maid of Harlech”

When experts from the United States came to inspect the find, they confirmed it was a rare and special aircraft. The P-38F was mainly used in the Pacific and over regions like China, Burma, and India by American pilots. There are no other known examples of this aircraft in Europe. This makes the “Maid of Harlech” a significant find.

Despite its importance, the plane remains where it crashed due to several issues. The Gwynedd Council’s maritime department has taken steps to protect the site. They are not revealing the exact location to the public. This is partly because there is still high-octane fuel in the plane’s tanks, creating a safety hazard. They also want to prevent souvenir hunters from damaging the wreckage.

Richard Gillespie from the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) is one of the key figures trying to raise money to rescue the crashed plane. Unfortunately, no major UK museum has agreed to take on the project. Many museums face space and funding constraints, which makes it difficult to commit to such a large endeavor.

Comparisons and Future Plans for Richard Gillespie and His Team

Richard Gillespie has mentioned similarities between this rescue mission and another one involving a German Dornier DO-17 bomber. That aircraft was found off the coast of Kent on the Goodwin Sands. The Dornier DO-17 is upside down in 50 feet of water, presenting a significant challenge. Both projects require a lot of resources and planning.

Additionally, Richard and his team are preparing for another important task. They are set to visit Gardner Island in the Pacific Ocean to look for clues related to the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the famous American aviator. Once they complete this mission, they plan to return their focus to the “Maid of Harlech” and continue efforts to secure funding and support for its recovery.

The “Maid of Harlech” is now protected by the Gwynedd Maritime Department. High-octane fuel in the tanks makes it dangerous to tamper with the site. They are keeping the exact location a secret to avoid the risk of damage from people who might try to take pieces as souvenirs.

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