_{THIRD TIME LUCKY}

Attacked by Green section, P/O Bird-Wilson, P/O Ross and Sgt Sewell, of 17 Sqn, the Dornier Do17 crew were on a sortie to bomb North Weald airfield on 3^rd September at the height of the Battle of Britain. Dumping their bombload they tried to shake off their pursuers but were eventually shot down. The 5/KG2 machine, U5+AN, Werke No 3450, was to crash near Pyefleet Creek at Langenhoe. Three of the crew (Lt H. Schildt, Uffz. E Swindek, Gefr. P. Niegisch ) died in the wreck but Fw. M Kriegl managed to bale out and into captivity.

The site was investigated originally by a group from Colchester, they recovered an engine and undercarriage unit plus many smaller items. Secondly the London Air Museum dug the site finding many items but contrary to some published reports they did not recover the second engine as this was found in 1995 on the third dig on this site along with a propeller hub and blade, parachute and many smaller items.

Above left is 'Bosch' generator, still a well known manufacturer of electrical goods today, centre is an inflator from a life vest, and right is a portion of the tail wheel tyre from the first dig. Below is the propeller hub, and the hub and blade reunited.