David Cundall flies out to dig for Spifires 'buried in Burma jungle'
An Isle of Axholme farmer is flying to Burma today to lead a search for dozens of Spitfire planes thought to have been buried in the jungle at the end of the Second World War.
David Cundall, 63, has spent 17 years and thousands of pounds researching the project.
The aircraft enthusiast believes Lord Mountbatten ordered the unused, unassembled planes to be buried in 1945.
Excavation work at the Mingaladon airfield is due to begin on Monday, with a team of around 17 people flying out for the dig.
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Mr Cundall says 36 aircraft may lie under the airfield and he is "confident" of finding them. A total of 124 Spitfires may be buried at sites throughout Burma.
His team includes archaeologists, scientists and researchers from the University of Leeds.
Mr Cundall wants to return the planes to Britain for restoration to allow them to be flown again.
He said: "I think this is on the same level as the Tutankhamun find in Egypt.
"If we're successful, I'd like to repeat what archaeologist Howard Carter said then. Lord Carnarvon asked: ’Can you see anything?’, and he replied: ’Yes, wonderful things’.
"There’s lot of rumours about why they were buried but the common theory is that they were buried after the war – in August and December 1945 – because they were surplus to requirements. Somebody gave the order, let’s dig a hole and let’s bury them.
"They will be restored to flying condition and hopefully they’ll be flying in about three years’ time at air shows, and promoting British industry as well."
Gaming website Wargaming.net is providing financial support for the hunt, which it is hoped will unearth the first Spitfire in about two weeks.
Comments
by Jiggysaurus
Sunday, January 06 2013, 6:49PM
“A Spifire is the new updated stealth version Hazzers ;-). Pedantry rules eh lol.
I wish him and his team the very best of luck.”
by Hazzers
Sunday, January 06 2013, 11:16AM
“Love the headline, what exactly is a 'Spifire'?”
by Sparks2400
Sunday, January 06 2013, 7:40AM
“This is a great story and I too, hope he's successful.
I had heard previously, that the Americans did this with a lot of their WWII equipment in large pits in France as it was to expensive to ship them home.”
by dellboy1959
Saturday, January 05 2013, 5:49PM
“@gordonio,
The price tag will depend on how many are found but i would of thought if you got one for a million you would have an absolute bargain.
The planes belong to us but i think half of the find is staying with the Burmese as a PR exercise.”
by gordonio
Saturday, January 05 2013, 5:03PM
“I echo the last two comments, Mr Cundall deserves to have a successful mission. His determination, enthusiasm, not to mention the monetary side, he definitely gets my vote. I hope there is no curse, as was the case with Tutankhamun.
Who do these Spitfires belong to:-
The RAF
The Burmese Government
Treasure Trove
Who is the rightful owner?
In flying condition what are they worth, a million pounds each, will Mr Cundall recoup his outlay? There are quite a few questions here!”
by MoragMcShin
Saturday, January 05 2013, 3:44PM
“I think he'll find them, but what condition will they be in? Fascinating stuff.”
by dellboy1959
Saturday, January 05 2013, 12:15PM
“Good luck to you David and team.
I really hope this turns out to be 100% successful.”