Relic Hunters Unearthed a Massive Find Inside This Forgotten ‘Swamp Ghost’ of World War II

Photo Credit: PhotoQuest / Getty Images
Photo Credit: PhotoQuest / Getty Images

In 1972, during a flight over Papua New Guinea, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members noticed an odd shape in the swamplands below. Among the terrain, a conspicuous structure caught their attention, prompting them to investigate. Despite the challenging swampy conditions, their efforts paid off: they uncovered the wreckage known locally as the “Swamp Ghost.”

To their surprise, it turned out to be a Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, left untouched by US forces for many years. Yet, the true discovery awaited inside the downed bomber.

The crew survived a death-defying crash

Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress in flight
Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress. (Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

On February 23, 1942, months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the B-17E Flying Fortress, piloted by Capt. Frederick C. Eaton Jr., faced enemy fire while flying over Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, which was under Japanese occupation. With damage to its wing and a critical fuel leak, the bomber faced an impossible journey back to the safety of Port Moresby.

In a desperate move, Eaton chose to execute a crash landing, aiming for what he believed to be a wheat field. However, reality proved harsher; the crew found themselves in a treacherous swamp teeming with ferocious crocodiles. Miraculously, they survived the ordeal and were rescued by villagers who provided shelter and care, aiding in their recovery from malaria. Once restored to health, they resumed their duties, serving until the conclusion of the Second World War.

The legend of the “Swamp Ghost”

"Swamp Ghost" displayed outside at the Pearl Harbor Museum
“Swamp Ghost” on display at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. (Photo Credit: Pacific Aviation Museum / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0)

After the crash, neither the crew of the B-17E nor the US Air Force tried to retrieve the heavy bomber. It remained in the swamp, where it was visited by villagers. Soon, it became somewhat of a holy site, as mysterious things happened to those who dared explore the wreckage.

According to legend, some who ventured toward the aircraft never returned, while others contracted malaria and suffered from cognitive issues. This led locals to keep a distance and worship the area as a sacred place, to keep themselves safe from the strange phenomena.

After the war the “Swamp Ghost” became a popular attraction

Boeing B-17E in flight.
A Boeing B-17E in flight. (Photo Credits: Three Lions / Stringer / Getty Images).

Following the war, Papua New Guinea became a popular destination for relic hunters looking for downed aircraft, old guns and infrastructure, and other artifacts the jungle had swallowed up. The “Swamp Ghost” quickly became one of the main attractions.

Salvagers spotted the B-17E Flying Fortress in the jungle

Hull of the "Swamp Ghost" on display behind a chain link fence
Hull of the “Swamp Ghost” on display at the Planes of Fame Air Museum. (Photo Credit: Tomás Del Coro / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0)

When Australian airmen spotted the B-17E in 1972, they were astonished by their discovery. The wreckage was in remarkable condition, and they even found thermoses filled with coffee that were poured by the original crew!

In the 1980s, renowned aircraft salvager Fred Hagan and his partner, David Tallichet, learned about the find and decided to locate and save the wreck. They were amazed to see the “Swamp Ghost” in such a well-preserved state. Although locals had removed most of the weapons and mechanical parts, the interior remained intact.

Hagan and Tallichet started the process of reconstructing the heavy bomber to make it stable enough to be transported. However, various setbacks delayed the project for years. Finally, in 2006, the salvage mission was completed, with one final challenge: the locals were opposed to its removal. After a ceremony to honor the spirits of the swamp, the aircraft was eventually allowed to leave its resting place for the first time in 65 years.

Where is the “Swamp Ghost” now?

A miniature model of the "Swamp Ghost."
A miniature model of the “Swamp Ghost.” (Photo Credits: U.S. Navy photo ID 130410-N-WF272-053 / Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain).

Want War History Online‘s content sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here!

Once it was fully restored, the “Swamp Ghost” was put on display at a ceremony in Long Beach, California that was attended by many family members of the original crew. It has since been permanently moved to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Hawaii, where it’s undergoing restoration.

Elisabeth Edwards

Elisabeth Edwards is a public historian and history content writer. After completing her Master’s in Public History at Western University in Ontario, Canada Elisabeth has shared her passion for history as a researcher, interpreter, and volunteer at local heritage organizations.

She also helps make history fun and accessible with her podcast The Digital Dust Podcast, which covers topics on everything from art history to grad school.

In her spare time, you can find her camping, hiking, and exploring new places. Elisabeth is especially thrilled to share a love of history with readers who enjoy learning something new every day!

The Digital Dust Podcast

linkedin.com/in/elisabethcedwards