The project
On March 5, 1945, an RAF Lancaster-bomber crashed into a meadow of the Flemish village of Bunsbeek (now part of Glabbeek municipality). The whole crew perished and rests now at Heverlee Military Cemetery (nr. Louvain). (for more info on the crew, click here) This incident was etched into the mind of countless villagers of Bunsbeek. Finally, two local enthousiasts, André Bruyninckx and Ben Cleynens contacted Mayor Peter Reekmans. Together with two aviation archaeology societies (Planehunters and BAHAAT) it was decided to form a project group to investigate the site with modern technologies. A preliminary analogue detection revealed that many parts of the Lancaster were still buried on the spot. This was confirmed during a magnetometric scan by Bom-Be, which revealed that the whole silhouette of the wartime bomber is still visible. Two well-known Flemish battlefield archaeologists, Simon Verdegem and Maarten Bracke, joined the team in order to guarantee that this project, with permission of the Flemish official archaeological board, will be conducted in a scientific way. Since it is expected from witnesses, a preliminary dig and geophysical survey, that most of the famous bomber is still buried, though in a battered and damage state, this archaeological project might reveal a unique insight in this particular aspect of aerial warfare, more than 70 years ago. Depending on the results, an exposition is planned in 2017. The excavation is planned during the weekend of November 11, 2016. Strict procedures (safety) will be followed by all involved. The whole project team works on a free basis. The costs for machinery and logistics is being financed by the community of Glabbeek. This site will be updated on a regular basis. If you want to stay tuned, please like our Facebook-page. The research for relatives of the crew continues. If you are related to the crew, or want to know more, used the contact form on the website.
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