From European Skies to a Russian Lake
The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was pivotal in Germany’s aerial strategy, was produced in massive numbers and became synonymous with the Luftwaffe’s dominance. One such Bf-109, an early E-model, actively participated in key battles like the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, clashing with formidable Spitfires and Hurricanes. Despite heavy losses on both sides, this particular Bf-109, a veteran of these historic air duels, survived only to face its next challenge on the Eastern Front against Soviet Russia in 1942.
Assigned to the elite JG5 fighter group, this Bf-109 was piloted by Wolf Dietrich Widowitz, a soon-to-be ace under the mentorship of Luftwaffe veterans. The early days on the Eastern Front were marked by German aerial superiority, with Widowitz and his Bf-109 contributing significantly to this success. Their remarkable journey, however, took an unexpected turn on April 4, 1942, near Murmansk, Russia.
A Fateful Duel and An Icy Grave
On that fateful day, Widowitz encountered a Soviet pilot flying a British Hurricane – a product of the lend-lease act. In a desperate aerial maneuver, Widowitz’s Bf-109 suffered critical damage to its engine, forcing him to make a split-second decision. Opting against bailing out, a common preference among skilled German pilots, Widowitz aimed for an emergency landing on a nearby frozen lake. Executing a flawless wheels-up belly landing, he safely exited the aircraft, evading capture by Russian forces. However, the warming temperatures soon caused the ice to break, sending the aircraft into the depths of the lake, where it remained hidden for over six decades.
Jim Pearce’s Mission
Fast forward to 2003, the long-lost Bf-109 was rediscovered by Jim Pearce, a renowned aircraft recovery expert. Pearce’s discovery marked the beginning of a remarkable effort to resurrect a piece of history from the lake’s murky waters. The recovery operation, intricate and challenging, brought the Bf-109 back to the surface, revealing a remarkably preserved war relic. Transported to the United States, this aircraft, now a tangible piece of history, was destined for a new chapter in the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California.
A Tribute to History
At the museum, the Bf-109 is a testament to the tumultuous history of World War II and the evolution of aerial warfare. Visitors can marvel at its surprisingly good condition, considering its underwater sojourn. Plans to restore it to flying condition are afoot, promising to bring this historical artifact back to life.
A Contrast to His Aircraft
While the Bf-109 was fortunate to be rediscovered and preserved, its pilot, Wolf Dietrich Widowitz, had a different destiny. After his narrow escape in 1942, Widowitz continued to fight, achieving more success but ultimately meeting his end in another crash landing less than a year later.
