Plane flown by Solihull hero pilot Robert Mansell is found

Dec 2 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail

They have said they have been unable to begin grieving properly and have been desperately seeking financial support from various aviation and government authorities in order to make the salvage operation possible.

Meriden Tory MP Caroline Spelman has been working with Mr Mansell’s family to bring his body home.

She said: “Yesterday, an American ship found the plane and an international salvage company is hoping to raise the plane tomorrow.

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are standing by with all the documentation to assist with the repatriation.

“Robert’s heroic deeds saved nine people and have been met with a sympathetic response from the Dutch authorities, who really have done all they can to assist.

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are assisting with inter-governmental work behind the scenes.

“All of us want to do all we can to help Robert’s father, Roger, and his daughter in their bereavement.

“It’s beginning to look quite promising.”

A former pupil of Arden School, Knowle, Mr Mansell achieved a degree in aeronautical engineering from Bristol University before he went overseas to get his pilot’s license.