[Tom Willis]

Hi Guys

Arrived late into the discussion

I did write to the late/great Richard Bueschel and he kindly sent me a long letter about his visit to Darmstadt and the mystery B-25 with early USAAF insignia. It is shame that he never photographed this a/c (the one from the recent e-bay sale could not be this a/c - clearly photographed at crash-site and not recovered). Until a positive photo linked to Darmstadt (or earlier) can be verified this 'mystery' will run and run. I know that the Germans were attempting to recover a downed B-25 from North Africa but had to abandon their efforts due to the advancing Allies. Whether this one at Darmstadt was another a/c from the North African Front has yet to be established but nothing as yet has come to light.
The Buffalo at Darmstadt has been discussed over the years and at least one photo has survived to prove the point. Nothing has been recorded of this Type at Rechlin. I am sure if the Germans were interested in this Type then one in flying condition could have been 'loaned' from Finland - (I seem to remember that this was discussed by them but abandoned later due to lack of interest from the German side. Anybody have any further details about this?).
I seem to remember that a least 2 Bufallo's were found at Bordeaux still in their crates - from a very old note from a previous discussion between researchers.
Thanks Stig - the info about the identity of the Darmstadt Buffalo seems new to me but most of my records are still packed away from a previous move so cannot verify this.

Regards
Tom Willis