Operation Harvest, Zuider Zee Netherlands 50's-80's????

[rstel01]

Guys,

After I posted the video of the FW-190 that was found in the forest, it seems there are some very knowledgeable members on the board in aviation archeology.

Does anyone have an update of what happened through the 70's when Zuider Zee was drained in the Netherlands?

I have a cherished copy of Air Classics from 78 that is "Ghosts of WW2", which is about the multiple finds throughout the world (Micronesia, Lady Be Good, etc) with the center being Operation Harvest.

As the Dutch government was reclaiming the lands, multiple WW2 a/c were found in the inland sea. Some were complete B-17's, Lancaster's, etc.

The internet only has some passing information like this:
http://www.airwarweb.net/rechistory.php 

Does anyone know of better sites or information on what has been recovered and their current state?

Thanks in advance,   

[Guppy35]

I've got that Air Classics as well.

They still continue to 'harvest' wrecks.  Sadly much of what was recovered back then was scrapped.  They're better about checking with museums etc now.  It was a few years back they recovered a 4th FG Jug with the pilot still inside and he was returned home for burial.  There have been a number of RAF bomber wrecks found, but not intact.

The place where they've recovered some amazing stuff is from Norwegian lakes.  The RAF Museum Halifax, the Canadian Halifax that's been restored completely.  They brought up a 190A3 a while back in fairly good shape and there have been 3 Ju88s and an He111 that they brought up in decent restorable shape.

There is a P47 that came out of an Austrian lake a couple years ago that is being restored in California I believe.

The cold, freshwater lakes are the best bet at this point for potential recoveries.

There are lots down in Lake Michigan too, but the Navy won't let them be recovered.