– Finnish WWII plane shot down by Moscow
– Divers find remains of US diplomat aboard WWII plane.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
After more than eight decades, the mystery surrounding the fate of a Finnish passenger plane shot down over the Baltic Sea by Soviet bombers during World War II has finally been unraveled. The plane, carrying American and French diplomatic couriers, was downed in June 1940, just days before Moscow annexed the Baltic states.
A diving and salvage team in Estonia recently announced that they had discovered well-preserved parts and debris from the Junkers Ju 52 plane, operated by Finnish airline Aero (now Finnair). The wreckage was found off the coast of the tiny island of Keri near Tallinn, Estonia, at a depth of approximately 70 meters.
Historical Background
The downing of the civilian plane, named Kaleva, occurred on June 14, 1940, shortly after Finland had signed a peace treaty with the Soviet Union following the Winter War. The incident, in which all nine individuals on board lost their lives, including American diplomat Henry W. Antheil Jr., was a significant event in Finnish aviation history.
Finland initially kept the details of the aircraft’s destruction secret, referring to it as a “mysterious crash” to avoid provoking Moscow. The incident has since become a subject of intense interest and speculation, shedding light on Finland’s complex WWII history and its strained relationship with the Soviet Union.
Discovery and Significance
The recent discovery of Kaleva’s wreckage by the Estonian diving team marks a significant breakthrough in solving the decades-old mystery. The finding has prompted discussions about the possible retrieval of the plane’s cargo and human remains, as well as the potential implications for historical research.
Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operations Officer of Finnair, described the discovery as a somber yet pivotal moment in the airline’s history. The identification of the wreckage brings closure to a tragic chapter, highlighting the importance of preserving and commemorating the lives lost in the incident.
International Interest
The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn has expressed keen interest in the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts related to Kaleva’s wreckage. The embassy’s spokesperson, Mike Snyder, emphasized the significance of the incident, particularly the loss of American diplomat Henry W. Antheil Jr., as one of the first U.S. casualties of WWII.
Efforts to create 3D images of the debris and discuss potential recovery operations with Estonian authorities are currently underway. The collaboration between various stakeholders reflects the shared commitment to honoring the memory of the victims and preserving this pivotal moment in aviation history.
Conclusion
The discovery of Kaleva’s wreckage after 84 years serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII and the enduring legacy of those who perished in the line of duty. As efforts continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the downing of the plane, the story of Kaleva remains a poignant chapter in the annals of Finnish and international history.
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– Divers find remains of Finnish WWII plane
– Finnish WWII plane shot down by Moscow with a US diplomat aboard.
