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Claridon sponsors Spitfire-seeker

[ December 3, 2013   //   ]

Essex forwarder Claridon Group has stepped in to help save aviation enthusiast David Cundall in his bid to find a cache of buried Spitfires in Burma. The Lincolnshire farmer has been on a dogged mission these past 16 years following up persistent reports that a cache of brand new unassembled models of the iconic World War II fighter are buried in crates somewhere in the country.

While many other spitfires have been preserved, and some are still flying, finding ones in original condition would be a real coup for aviation museums throughout the world. Finding new, unassembled planes would tell us a huge amount about how the planes were put together, and the project could create hundreds of jobs too.

An earlier lead that the planes were buried somewhere near Yangon airport proved fruitless and now most of the intrepid Mr Cundall’s savings have gone. For a while, the project looked doomed, but now Claridon has stepped in to provide the funding to allow the project to continue.

Claridon, based at Standford-le-Hope on the doorstop of the new London Gateway port, has a strong connection with Burma, being the first privately owned UK company to set up there. And, as Mr Cundall himself says, with the company’s 20-plus years experience in military logistics, “the Spitfires could not be in better hands when they are eventually shipped  back to the UK.”

Note the word ‘when’. There are those who doubt the planes’ existence, but the people at Claridon are convinced that this time, he is onto a winner.

Group MD Chris Scott said: “After meeting David and listening to how he has devoted a large part of his life as well as his life savings trying to find these iconic aircraft which played such a pivotal role in WW2, and seeing his deep rooted passion for preserving part of our history and heritage for generations to come, we just had to get involved. David’s ‘never give up attitude’ along with his incredible drive deserves to be applauded and supported throughout the country. Claridon Group are proud to partner David and provide the funding to enable him and his team to find the Spitfires. We will be supporting David every step of the way and look forward to bringing the Spitfires back home for him.”

(Picture credit: Chowells)

Spitfire resized

 

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