captured helicopter

[Pete63]

Well, thanks, Richard... I feel a bit embarrassed as I have just checked the old LEMB Forum (Dave Evans's Luftwaffe Message Board) and I've seen that there was an old set of pictures of the previous Ebay sales and guess what... There is even physical evidence of Slipway 1 being the one that was used for loading the aircraft onto the Rhino Barges..! I wish I had checked this before, but I'm afraid I didn't take the time to do so... This would have saved some time, but it kept the mind clear during research I guess... Anyway, as I see it - our mutual efforts have resulted in getting as far as we stand now. This is the way historical research has to be - when working together people can solve more questions than when one is working alone... You kept me sharp by asking critical questions. Thanks for the cooperation - I liked it very much..!
Greetings,
Piet Bouma
The Netherlands

[Richard T. Eger]

Dear Piet,

Yes, I looked at the shoals and said to myself "What a crappy place slipway 1 would have been to load the barges." The photo confirms it. Look at how the barge is lifted up onto a sandbar!!! That's assuming that is, indeed, a sandbar. They must have used the tides to make it work or stopped after the first barge loading. At least the sandbar or whatever it is would have kept the barge firmly in place during loading.

You've further added to our knowledge, for which I am most grateful.

Regards,
Richard

[Steve Coates]

Agreed. Piet - your input to this has been greatly appreciated.

[Pete63]

You're welcome, Richard and Steve - it's an interesting subject.
I liked the research a lot..!
Greetings,
Piet