Further Photos

On 3rd October 2003 a Junkers Ju52 was salvaged at the Island of Leros in the Aegean Sea by a KOSYTHE diver team of the Hellenic Air Force. The aircraft was shot down on 13/14th November 1943 while the German troops tried to regain control on Leros Islands and the Ju52 was used to drop parachuters. It was hit by massive anti aircraft fire and crashed into Alinda Bay. For nearly 60 years, the wreckage remained in a water depth of 41 metres in a head-down position.

The wreckage shows intensive coverage by micro-organismns (red areas! these are not primer, red paintings or something else). The wings are extremely damaged by corrosion, while the hits from anti aircraft fire seemed to have caused only little damage. On board the remains of a death body were found, which were handed over to the German Embassy in Athens. Also personal belongings were found, i.e. a Leica camera with film which might be developed.

The identity of the aircraft is still open. On 13/14th November 1943 four Ju52 crashs at Leros are currently known. WNr. 4046 was able to perform an emergency landing on the island and seems in sofar not to be the salvaged aircraft. WNr. 6799 is missed since its mission to Leros on 13th November 1943, however also missed are 12 parachuters on board. As in the salvaged Ju52 was just a single body found, this seems also not be the same aircraft. WNr. 640187 crashed into sea at Leros, but all occupants were rescued, which does not fit with the found body in the salvaged aircraft. Finally WNr. 7607 crashed at Leros with the death of 2 occupants. This seems best to fit with the now salvaged wreck. However, any further help on this issue is highly welcome!

Currently the wreckage was brought to Dekelia Air Force Base near Athens, where it will be restaurated by the Hellenic Air Force Museum during the next years.