I was able to got to the Cosford show again this year. In addition to the usual kits, models on display and in competition, real aircraft around the museum, there was a special display: Do17Z-2 number 1160 is undergoing conservation and is out for view. Granted it is under tents in a controlled environment while all the salt water is leached out, but it is a great display.
The web site with more detail is here: http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/things-to-see-and-do/dornier-17-conservation.aspx
I found the display moving. You get to see real history, an aircraft in which 4 young men fought for their lives, as part of the Battle of Britain, and which 2 lost. They were all in their 20’s. There are photos of the men, their machine, and their obvious bravado before their last mission together. There are also photos of the graves of the two whom were killed. All 4 have their stories immortalized at the museum.
The aircraft will ultimately be preserved, as are a few other wartime wrecks, as a fitting tribute to those men of all the countries that fought and died for their causes, whether right or wrong. They were still people, part of the human experience, even if sometimes ugly.
Thanks for looking…
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