– Remains of Finnish WWII plane
– Moscow US diplomat aboard.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
After more than eight decades, the World War II mystery surrounding the fate of a Finnish passenger plane that was shot down over the Baltic Sea by Soviet bombers appears to have finally been solved. The plane, known as Kaleva, was carrying American and French diplomatic couriers in June 1940 when it was downed just days before Moscow annexed the Baltic states. All nine people on board, including the two-member Finnish crew and seven passengers, tragically lost their lives.
Discovery of the Plane’s Remains
A diving and salvage team in Estonia recently announced that they had located well-preserved parts and debris from the Junkers Ju 52 plane, which was operated by Finnish airline Aero, now known as Finnair. The wreckage was found off the tiny island of Keri near Tallinn, Estonia, at a depth of approximately 230 feet. This breakthrough in the search for Kaleva’s remains was achieved through a new and innovative approach taken by the Estonian diving and underwater survey company Tuukritoode OU.
The Downing of Kaleva
The tragic incident involving Kaleva took place on June 14, 1940, just three months after Finland had signed a peace treaty with Moscow following the Winter War. The civilian plane was shot down by two Soviet DB-3 bombers shortly after taking off from Tallinn’s Ulemiste airport. Finnish aviation historian Carl-Fredrik Geust described it as a unique event, as a passenger plane being shot down during peacetime on a scheduled flight was unprecedented.
Historical Significance
The discovery of Kaleva’s wreckage sheds light on a critical moment in history, occurring just days before the Soviet Union annexed the Baltic states. This event played a significant role in the complex World War II history of Finland and highlighted the troubled ties between the country and Moscow. The downing of the plane preceded the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period for the Baltic states.
American Diplomat Among the Victims
Among the passengers on board Kaleva was American diplomat Henry W. Antheil Jr., who became one of the first U.S. casualties of World War II. Antheil was on a mission to evacuate sensitive diplomatic pouches from U.S. missions in Tallinn and Riga, Latvia, as tensions with Moscow escalated. His tragic death, along with that of the other passengers and crew, was a somber reminder of the turbulent times.
Search Efforts and Conclusion
Over the years, various attempts were made to locate Kaleva, but it was not until now that the wreckage was successfully found. The Estonian diving team’s discovery has provided closure to this decades-old mystery, though the reasons behind the downing of the plane remain unclear. Efforts are now underway to create 3D images of the debris and potentially recover some of the items, including the plane’s cargo and human remains.
Memorials and Remembrance
A stone memorial dedicated to the victims of the Kaleva crash was erected on Keri island in the early 1990s, serving as a reminder of the lives lost in the tragic incident. Additionally, a memorial plaque was installed at Helsinki’s Malmi airport terminal building in 2020, honouring the names of those who perished in the ill-fated flight.
The discovery of Kaleva’s wreckage after 84 years has not only solved a long-standing mystery but also provided valuable insights into a pivotal moment in Finnish and Baltic history during World War II.
.
– remains of Finnish WWII plane shot down by Moscow
– Divers find US diplomat aboard WWII plane shot down by Moscow.
A Teaspoon Before Bedtime Makes you Lose 32LBS in 2 Weeks.
Related Post : Remember Tiger Wood's Ex Wife, Elin Nordegren ? Take a Look at Her Now.
The Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany Hensel are No Longer Together.
