[HGabor]

Hi Folks,

In the first few days of this month remains of 17 VA IL-2 No.18842110 with engine No.2510758 have been recovered near Seregélyes, Hungary. The plane was downed by German AAA in March, 1945 and crashed with her pilot. Remains of the pilot were also recovered. The gunner bailed out and got captured. Since the family of the pilot has not been contacted yet to learn the news and to complete the official and necessary DNA tests, his name and unit is not to be published (yet). Piece of the engine block with the last two digits of the engine serial number (58) has been found in the crater which eventually led our team to identify the plane. As we reviewed the 17 VA IL-2 loss reports for Hungary for 1944-1945, there were only two losses where the AM-38F engine serial number ended 58: 2510758 and 257858. IL-2 No.1873298 with engine No.257858 crashed far away on March 17, 1945, but IL-2 No.18842110 with engine 2510758 was downed right here at Seregélyes. Comb and toothbrush of the pilot was also found with other personal relics.

See details:

Video link:
http://www.honvedelem.hu/film/Repulo_tankot_talaltak_Seregelyes_hataraban

Photo links:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.505500279537364.1073742053.203389926415069& type=3

http://www.honvedelem.hu/cikk/39868_repulo_tankot_talaltak_seregelyes_hataraban

Gabor