Remarkably Preserved WWII Messerschmitt BF109 Found in Norwegian Fjord

Over the decades since World War II, numerous wartime relics have been unearthed from where they were abandoned or crashed. In a recent discovery, a Messerschmitt BF109—one of the iconic German fighter planes—was pulled from the cold depths of a Norwegian fjord. This find offers a rare glimpse into the condition of wartime aircraft preserved beneath icy waters. The story surrounding this plane and its pilot reveals a unique wartime episode that has captivated historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Messerschmitt BF109 was a primary fighter for Germany during World War II. Known for its versatility, it was used in various roles, including as a bomber escort and in ground-attack missions. With over 34,000 BF109s produced, the plane was a regular sight in European skies. It became especially associated with ace pilots, who achieved some of the highest scores recorded in aerial combat. Despite its strengths, the BF109 faced increasing challenges from the latest Allied fighters as the war progressed, and many were ultimately shot down or crash-landed. Even today, some of these aircraft remain buried where they fell, with a few others resting beneath the water. The recent discovery of a remarkably preserved BF109 in Norway offers insight into both the aircraft and its pilot’s fate.

The Forced Landing

On March 24, 1943, Unteroffizier Gunther Seraphim, a pilot with Germany’s Jagdgeschwader 5 (JG5), encountered serious engine trouble over Norway’s coast while flying his BF109 G-2 model. This model was identified by the marking “Yellow 3” painted on its side. Seraphim was part of a fighter wing responsible for missions across northern Norway, often tasked with intercepting enemy planes and defending against attacks on German targets. While in flight, his plane’s engine began to fail, forcing him to attempt an emergency landing. With little choice, he directed the plane into a controlled descent toward the fjord near Rørvik, aiming for a sea landing to avoid a more dangerous crash on land.

Seraphim’s landing was rough but ultimately successful. The BF109 hit the water nose-first, leaving its tail momentarily visible above the surface before sinking. Fortunately, a local Norwegian man and his son spotted the struggling plane and quickly rowed out to rescue Seraphim. With their help, he escaped the sinking wreck and was rowed to shore, where he later rejoined German forces in the area. However, Seraphim’s survival in Norway was short-lived, as he was later killed in 1945 during a combat mission over Germany, shortly before the war’s end.

Discovering the Wreck

For years, Seraphim’s BF109 lay untouched at the bottom of the fjord, resting in icy waters that contributed to its remarkable preservation. The exact location of the plane was largely unknown until efforts were made to locate and recover the wreck. In 2010, nearly 70 years after it sank, a team of divers began an investigation in the fjord. Upon confirming its location, they planned the recovery of the wreck, mindful of the risks involved in lifting an aircraft so deeply embedded in the fjord’s sediment.

The operation to raise the aircraft took place on May 22, 2010, requiring careful coordination. Although the BF109 was not a particularly large aircraft, its long stay underwater had surrounded it with nearly double its weight in mud and silt. The recovery crew worked meticulously to ensure the plane’s structure remained intact, gradually lifting it from its place without damaging the fragile airframe.

Preserved in Detail

As the plane emerged from the water, it became clear just how well the frigid conditions had preserved it. The fuselage was in near-original condition, with many identifying marks still visible. The Balkankreuz insignias on the sides of the aircraft had survived, as had the “Yellow 3” marking, which helped confirm the aircraft’s identity. Remarkably, even a swastika insignia, typically present on wartime German aircraft, was found intact on the tail section.

Upon inspection, the cockpit also proved to be in good condition, containing machine guns and ammunition that had remained unfired. Investigators found some personal items belonging to Seraphim inside the plane, including his service pistol. The propeller blades, although showing minor wear from the forced water landing, were largely undamaged. These elements offered a glimpse into the aircraft’s final moments and the equipment used by its pilot.

Historical Importance

Local historians quickly took an interest in the discovery. By examining the plane’s serial number, they identified it as one of the BF109s assigned to the 4th Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 5, a German unit active in northern Norway and the Arctic. Further historical research revealed the nature of JG5’s operations, including their missions against Allied shipping and infrastructure, which would have placed Seraphim and his BF109 in the skies over the Norwegian coast.

This find was celebrated not only as a wartime artifact but also as an insight into how the cold waters of Norway’s fjords can act as a natural preservation environment. The condition of Seraphim’s BF109 provides a rare opportunity for historians and aviation experts to study the engineering and wear of a German WWII fighter plane in a state close to how it would have appeared during the war. The symbols on the aircraft, especially the “Yellow 3” and Balkankreuz markings, demonstrated the remarkable extent of preservation. Such details offer direct ties to the plane’s story and the pilot’s service.