Friesland, Hallum – 81 years after the crash, historical aircraft wrecks are being unearthed in Friesland, with the most recent project being the recovery of a German Messerschmitt BF 109. Leemans Aircraft Recovery, specialized in the safe excavation of such warplanes, is playing a crucial role in this project.
LeemansAircraft Recovery, a company with decades of experience in warplane recoveries, has been tasked with recovering the aircraft wrecks that crashed during World War II. This effort not only brings valuable historical materials to light but also provides comfort to the families of the fallen pilots, even after so many years. For the family of German pilot Georg Wilhelm, who crashed his Messerschmitt in the Noarderleech near Hallum on July 16, 1943, the recovery was an emotional moment. They were present at the crash site to witness the start of the recovery.
The Messerschmitt BF 109 was a German fighter plane that went into a dive, presumably due to a piloting error by the then 21-year-old Wilhelm. After his fatal crash, the wreck remained in the marshy area, which was marked as a field grave by the Germans. The recovery by Leemans is the first physical action since the plane’s crash and holds both historical and human significance.
Comfort and Connection for Families of the Fallen
The presence of the German family during the recovery highlights the emotional importance of such projects. The project is part of the National Program for the Recovery of Aircraft Wrecks, which has taken responsibility for funding these recoveries.
