After World War II, the RAF allegedly buried several Supermarine Spitfires in crates in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. As of January 19, archaeological efforts have proven fruitless.
The research team spearheading the effort began work earlier in January at the Yangon International Airport: former site of the RAF’s Mingaladon airfield. After digging four trenches in likely spots and finding nothing, David Cundall and Wargaming Ltd parted ways.
Wargaming Ltd issued a statement February 15, stating their opinion that, “based on clear documentary evidence, as well as the evidence from fieldwork, that no Spitfires were delivered in crates and buried at RAF Mingaladon during 1945 and 1946.”
Cundall, a British Spitfire hunter and enthusiast, isn’t so sure. He intends to push on in search of the elusive warbirds. He explains: “I have a new investor. I have found a local eyewitness who remembers the British burying crated Spitfires and it’s the same area. I have not dug as yet for any Spitfires. We are allowed to survey and we can confirm an area of great interest.”
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
