Lost WWII Spitfire Unearthed - Revealing the Pilot’s Final Battle | Time Team - S7 E3

Uncover the lost story of a WWII Spitfire and its young pilot, Paul Klipsch, as Time Team excavates a forgotten crash site in northern France. Join the Time Team as they embark on a gripping three-day mission to locate and recover one of the earliest Mark I Spitfires lost during the Battle of France. Through expert archaeology, eyewitness accounts, and the help of aviation historians, the team pieces together the fate of pilot Paul Klipsch, who was killed in action on his very first day of combat. Watch as they unearth a nearly complete Spitfire, analyze battlefield evidence, and reconstruct the intense dogfight that led to its downfall. This episode is a unique blend of wartime history, crash investigation, and hands-on restoration. You'll witness meticulous fieldwork, hear from those who knew Klipsch, and see original Spitfire parts restored using period techniques. Discover how the team interprets clues from machine guns, bullet impacts, and cockpit remains to unravel the tragic final moments of a young RAF pilot. Whether you're passionate about WWII aviation, battlefield archaeology, or personal stories from history, this investigation brings the past vividly to life. #History #Spitfire #WWII #BattleOfFrance #TimeTeam #AviationArchaeology #AirCrashInvestigation #RAF