THIS WEEK IN 1971: Fisherman nets parts of mystery bomber

An amateur diver went to the rescue when an Eastney fisherman's net was caught on a mystery object '“ and dragged part of a Second World War bomber from the murky depths of Langstone Harbour.Â
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Aug 2018, 10:38 BST
Updated 3rd Sep 2018, 12:17 BST
Maurice Harknett with the bomber's engine - a Bristol Perseus nine cylinder made in 1939.Maurice Harknett with the bomber's engine - a Bristol Perseus nine cylinder made in 1939.
Maurice Harknett with the bomber's engine - a Bristol Perseus nine cylinder made in 1939.

 With his specially equipped boat, Gina Anne, Maurice Harknett winched up a propeller, Bristol Perseus nine cylinder engine, inscribed with the date May 25, 1939. 

It took the efforts of more than half a dozen men to carry the propeller ashore on to Eastney beach. 

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The specifications suggested the plane was British, almost certainly a bomber and probably the victim of an air battle during the war.

Mr Harknett, who lived at Milton and was a member of the Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, said: '˜Fishermen have lost their nets in the same area not so long ago.' '‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹

Related topics:EastneyBristol