[David Ransome]

Hi Olivier,

Again, I can only offer comment on the He111. I have found several 111s with WNrs that did not seem to be in a particular manufacturer block. At first my thought was that there had been a number transposition error but, after obtaining some original data plates (several aircraft), I found that the aircraft had been made by a particular manufacturer. As the production dates tied in with various components etc from all over the aircraft it was obviously direct production rather than a cobbled together repair job - and also there was no 'R' after the WNr.

I think that manufacturer's would also have problems trying to build up whole aircraft from recovered parts. They would have to be re-accepted or 'proved' by the RLM and it would be extremely costly trying to assess what the stresses and strains of a crash had actually done to something that looked, on the surface, to be okay. The logistics of transporting damage recovered bits and pieces around in wartime conditions would also be fairly horrendous - I suspect that that is probably why so many damaged aircraft that looked 'reasonable' in photos were so often scrapped on or near to site!

My own work on 111s is far from complete and I dare say that even when it is there will be plenty of knowledge gaps that will probably never be filled which is why I always welcome new information. Everything I have said in this thread so far is based on my current knowledge and experience and I am unable to offer any further comment and again, like yourself, would be interested to hear from other parties!

Regards,

David