Downed airplanes collection points.

[Frank Schneider]

Hi all,

guess this is the most appropriate forum for this.

I know that downed enemy aircrafts were gathered at specific collection points, where they were stripped of parts (MGs, bomb sights, etc.). A lot of these parts were re-used.

Does anybody have some pictures to share of these collection points? Or is there a list available?

I have heard that one such point was in Utrecht, near what nowadays is an industrial estate ("Lage Weide", for those living near).

Thanks,
Frank.

[Matt Starr]

Frank,
I'm sorry I cant be of more detail but I have seen pictures of this mound somewhere in (Germany?) where the aircarft were just piled up, the mound still exists today and people know where it is but for some reason no one can dig on the site, I'm sorry I can't remember more but yes these mounds do exist but the one I am thinking of is undiggable

[TMurray]

Hi Frank, in the reference book "Royal Air Force Fighter Command Losses Of the Second World War Vol.2 1942-45" by Norman L. Franks there is a photograph of a row of wrecked Spitfires in a courtyard somewhere in Germany, ready to be stripped of their components, if I get the chance I'll scan the photo for you
- Thomas

[Frank Schneider]

Thanks guys!

I once saw a pic of a B17 fuselage on a low-loader, ready to be stripped. Been spinning through my head ever since. Each country must have had such recycle stations.

Frank.