JU88 Traditional Cache
Hidden : 1/8/2006
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Traditional Cache in Epping Forest close to parking


Junkers 88 Aircraft

Close to this spot on 8th December 1940 a German Junkers 88 aircraft crashed during a raid on London. It flew from the German occupied airfield at Orleans/Bricy 50 miles south of Paris and was directly hit by AA battery based at Chigwell Rise causing it to loose control.
The crash impact was felt in Upshire and Theydon Bois and left a huge 12 ½ ft crater in the ground from the exploding aircraft and bombs onboard.
After the war, the craters were used as rubbish dumps until a museum decided to excavate the site in 1976 removing many artefacts including the 2 engines.
In 1979 further excavation took place due to the fear of remaining unexploded bombs.
An Army Bomb Disposal Team found two 500kg and these were defused safely. One of them is currently on display in the Imperial War Mauseum.
I have memories of cycling to the site and being shown the large empty bomb cases by the soldiers.
Further bore holes drilled later that year revealed no further bombs and the site was left in peace.

All four crew members (pilot, observer and 2 gunners) perished in the crash and are buried in the German War cemetery in Cannock.

The close parking at 51 40.772N 000 04.109E is often closed so you may wish to park at the alternative parking below. You will need to keep your eyes open for the entrance if you are going towards Epping.
There is also a Height restriction so 4WD vehicles will likely not fit under.
Closest alternative parking is at the Pub/Restaurant 51 40.548N 000 03.743E

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vafvqr ubyybjrq bhg Orrpu Gerr arne bcra nern

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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