Downed Aircraft Group

[stephen f. polyak]

I recently obtained a group of data plates and small skin bits (metal and cloth) from several aircraft downed over England. All are mounted to a piece of period plywood (1/4 inch thick). The plywood has an odd geometric design/pattern painted on one side. The paint colors appear to be German aircraft types (e.g., green 70/71 and RLM 02). Paper tags (also period) identify the aircraft as follows:

Ju 88 Partridge Green

He 111 Wyckham

He 111 Downs Steyning

Me 110 Washington

Me 110 Steyning

The plywood may be attributed to a Me 110.

Does this aircraft group suggest a pattern in time and/or region? Also, are there any ideas as to the possible use of the plywood on a Me 110. I would appreciate any further details.

Thank you,
Steve

[David Ransome]

Hi Steve,

Any chance of a photo, especially of the back?

Thanks,

David

[stephen f. polyak]

Here's the painted (back) side. The piece of wood was referred to by the previous owner as a "dashboard". This section was apparently cut from a larger piece, and a hanger was added. The colors appear to be German aircraft marking and camouflage types. The bits are fixed to the opposite side, which is unpainted.

[David Ransome]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the pic but sorry to say that I have no idea! Looks to be hand painted, and is that a Philips/Pozidriv screw visible in the pic?

I had at one time the remains of a Radio Op/Navigators' board (?) which came from a Heinkel wreck. That was plywood, painted black, and had the remnants of rubber bands around it and what appeared to be remnants of a map under them. It would have been approx 12" x 18" and was probably carried on and off the aircraft rather than fixed to it. There were various floor panels and other parts on the He111 made of plywood so I suspect the same applied to other aircraft including the Bf/Me110.

Sorry i can't be of more help.

Regards,

David

[stephen f. polyak]

Hi David,

Thank you for your reply. It appears the board will remain a mystery. Fortunately, another member was able to identify the crash events associated with the given locations and plane types, as represented by the plates and bits. Some of the Me/Bf 110 plates (Steyning) are shown here.

Best regards,
Steve