Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Hi.
looks like the MOD are gettin there hands dirty..an some have reported it his coming here home..the pilot ID his coppin''Flak damage? daily telegrapth. says.
sharon

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Hi Sharon

Apart from a lovely story, the only piece of good information in the story is that the aircraft was found. AFAIK it still hasn't been identified as Copping's aircraft (although many know it is - even missing that one small part called a serial number...but hey let not facts get in the way).

I would love this to be confirmed as Copping's aircraft, and that a search of the surrounding area located and gave FSGT Copping his final resting place amongst other Allied Members.

Buz

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

yes great ..one thing there are bullit holes..and flak? .was he flying on a solo combat mission..if he was with his flight? then why didnt he stay with them;? ferry flight.-

sharon

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

It wasn't a combat mission. He was ferrying a broken aircraft to the repair depot for repairs. That is why the landing gear was locked in the down position. It is presumed he got lost and landed in the desert.

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Nick,

Think it is more than a passing interest.

Media have been bombarding RAFM, Andy S, Peter A and myself as well as the surveyor who found (as part of a team) who discovered and posted the photos. I'll stick to my day job and do this as a hobby with an article at the end. News broke yesterday and in nearly all UK papers, BBC, ITN news, now CNN etc.

Think there is a bit more than a passing interest.

Only concern is they are talking about it being Copping's aircraft - evidence supports it but still have no serial (just squadron codes and other hints).

It is gradually being stripped. Most loose items, radio, IFF, battery and all tags and ID plates have already gone.

Lets hope it gets secured. Otherwise we are just going to have 100 photos and two videos as memories.

regards

Mark

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

It was included on ITV News At Ten tonight, so I imagine the item will be available on the web somewhere before long.

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Yes, indeed. CNN's web site runs it as a front page story (including comments by "British military historian Andy Saunders"):
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/11/wo...html?hpt=hp_t3

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Not "in the middle of no where" but in the El-Wahat el-Bahariya region.

Interesting find of a curtiss P 40 in the desert of Egypt
 

http://pierrekosmidis.blogspot.com/2...g-post_14.html

The RAF pilot Denis Hopping lost his life in the desert, 300 km away of an inhabited area.

Re: Kittyhawk Found in Sahara
 

Byron,

please read some of the thread above, the SUGGESTED name of a the possible pilot is Dennis COPPING. Nothing is confirmed yet.