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  • Follow my work at @planecrashgirl on Twitter and my blog at http://planecrashgirl.ca/. I hold a B.A. in Physical Ant... moreedit
  • Dr. Michael Dealedit
A review of the 2021 and 2022 field seasons surveying a potential crash site at Gull Pond, Newfoundland and Labrador. The site has a folklore of people finding aircraft aluminum starting in the 1930s, and the area was investigated in the... more
A review of the 2021 and 2022 field seasons surveying a potential crash site at Gull Pond, Newfoundland and Labrador. The site has a folklore of people finding aircraft aluminum starting in the 1930s, and the area was investigated in the past as a possible crash site for the Oiseau Blanc in 1927. Authored by Lisa M. Daly, Ken Keeping, Kathryn Hargan, Johanna Bosch, and Maliya Cassels.
In 2013, archaeologists succeeded in locating a plane crash that had been presumed buried based on local stories. The aircraft had crashed into a steep hill, subsequently known as Crash Hill. On the summit is a deteriorated memorial which... more
In 2013, archaeologists succeeded in locating a plane crash that had been presumed buried based on local stories. The aircraft had crashed into a steep hill, subsequently known as Crash Hill. On the summit is a deteriorated memorial which resembles a cemetery, marking the thirty-nine people who died in the 1946 tragedy. This memorial has been a spot of pilgrimage for family and an attraction for adventure seekers. This draw to dark tourism sites is not uncommon but since archaeologists shared their finds with the public through social and local media, many of those visitors are drawn to the crash site instead of the memorial. This is a problem as there are possibly mass graves at the crash site, and visitation can potentially disturb those remains. This article argues for caution when discussing finds publically and for the repair and restoration of the memorial at the top of the hill to fill the want to visit a site of tragedy without disturbing the actual crash site.
On 27 October 1943, a USAAF A-20 (Boston) and RCAF Hurricane took off from the Gander Airbase in Newfoundland to conduct a mock dogfight. The two aircraft clipped wings and crashed, killing the crew of the A-20. In 2010 and 2011,... more
On 27 October 1943, a USAAF A-20 (Boston) and RCAF Hurricane took off from the Gander Airbase in Newfoundland to conduct a mock dogfight. The two aircraft clipped wings and crashed, killing the crew of the A-20. In 2010 and 2011, archaeologists investigated the sites of the crashed aircraft.
Research Interests:
World War II aviation archaeology is a dynamic subfield of conflict archaeology, which has developed through the need to conserve twentieth-century military heritage resources. Like battlefield archaeology (Pollard and Banks, 2005:... more
World War II aviation archaeology is a dynamic subfield of conflict archaeology, which has developed through the need to conserve twentieth-century military heritage resources. Like battlefield archaeology (Pollard and Banks, 2005: iii–vii), it has only recently emerged as a credible area of academic study. Theoretical development in both areas has been dominated by a military, historical-particularist viewpoint, which often ignores the role of society in warfare. Actor-network theory, which stresses the link between society and technology, provides an opportunity to broaden the theoretical perspective of aviation archaeology research. Recent archaeological work at a downed USAAF aircraft site near Gander, Newfoundland, is presented as a case study to illustrate the enlistment of a network of stakeholders, material culture, and textual and audio-visual evidence in the interpretation of a single site.
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This project examines the Second World War (WWII) history of the Newfoundland Airport (Gander, Newfoundland), with a focus on civilian and military life on the base, and the potential for aviation archaeology to enhance the historical... more
This project examines the Second World War (WWII) history of the Newfoundland Airport (Gander, Newfoundland), with a focus on civilian and military life on the base, and the potential for aviation archaeology to enhance the historical record. To accomplish this, ten WWII era airplane crash sites were examined archaeologically, using a variety of methods depending on the state of the wreck and the environment of the site. On the grounds of the original airbase, the Royal Canadian Air Force Globe Theatre was excavated to determine the viability of excavating areas of the former nearby town site and to examine the material culture of those living at the base. In particular, information was sought on potential interactions between the three main countries residing and working at Gander in WWII; Canada, the United States, and Newfoundland. The aircraft crash sites yielded information about the crashes themselves, modern reuse of sites, and the potential risk of disturbance. They also allowed for further development of archaeological methods to be used at other aviation sites around Newfoundland and Labrador. 
          A major conclusion of this study is that base life was less segregated than official documents indicated, and that there was a significant amount of cooperation and flow of goods between the three countries. A combination of archaeological, documentary and memory research indicated a more relaxed atmosphere to the base, but still a realization of the importance to the work being done and the impact of the war on those serving at Gander.
This project has set much of the groundwork for further archaeological study in this province, where numerous aviation sites of historical importance and war-era aviation and naval bases have yet to be researched, such as the WWII and Cold War facilities in Stephenville.
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(with Shannon K. Green). Provincial Archaeology Office 2013 Archaeology Review, 12: 22-24, 2014
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A review of the 2011 field season in Gander, Newfoundland, including the survey of three World War II aircraft crash sites, revisiting and assessing two sites for weather related damages, attempting to locate an aircraft which had crashed... more
A review of the 2011 field season in Gander, Newfoundland, including the survey of three World War II aircraft crash sites, revisiting and assessing two sites for weather related damages, attempting to locate an aircraft which had crashed and had been removed during the war, and the excavation of the Globe Theatre on the Canadian side of the former (World War II era) town of Gander.
Excavations were conducted this past summer in a public area of Gander, Newfoundland. These excavations took place at the Globe Theatre, a plot of land surrounded by walking trails. For the first part of the dig, most local users of the... more
Excavations were conducted this past summer in a public area of Gander, Newfoundland. These excavations took place at the Globe Theatre, a plot of land surrounded by walking trails. For the first part of the dig, most local users of the area paid no attention to the archaeologists working. This poster looks at
how, with a couple of signs and some of the more interesting artifacts on display, an archaeology “open house” encouraged more people to visit the site. These interactions fostered a sharing of information between site visitors (some of which used the theatre while it was still open) and the archaeologists, and
also got the public involved and interested in the history and archaeology of the Former Town of Gander.
A review of field work done in Gander, Newfoundland, this past summer.
Typically, military protocol is a series of strict regulations that maintain order, discipline and clear boundaries between groups, particularly, between the military and civilians. But what of isolated military posts, away from main... more
Typically, military protocol is a series of strict regulations that maintain order, discipline and clear boundaries between groups, particularly, between the military and civilians. But what of isolated military posts, away from main command posts yet distant from the fighting front? The Newfoundland Airport, in Gander, Newfoundland, was a major air field in the Second World War, shipping aircraft, personnel and equipment from North America to the European war theatre. The base housed branches of the United States Army Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, and a contingency of Newfoundlanders who lived and worked on base. According to maps, the lines were clear as to which country lived where, but archaeological and documentary evidence shows that these borders may not have been so clear. Evidence of fraternization between these groups can be found in personal recollections and the artifacts recovered from the excavation of the RCAF Globe Theatre. This paper proposes to examine how military protocols and barriers were not as strict as official documentation would suggest at the Gander airbase during the Second World War.
Airplane sites in Newfoundland and Labrador tend to be in isolated locations, and are often resting in bog environments. Due to the nature of bogs, neither underwater nor terrestrial techniques are adequate for the proper survey of these... more
Airplane sites in Newfoundland and Labrador tend to be in isolated locations, and are often resting in bog environments. Due to the nature of bogs, neither underwater nor terrestrial techniques are adequate for the proper survey of these sites. Similarly, the isolation of sites means investigators are limited by the equipment they can carry. As such, methods must be combines and adapted based on the characteristics of each aviation site to achieve the most accurate and detailed survey possible. This paper will look at some of the techniques used on various aircraft archaeology sites in the province.
"Last summer, a small team of researchers, guided by Don Cormier, rediscovered the wreck of the 1946 American Overseas Airlines crash. This aircraft crashed on 03 October 1946 into Hare Hill (now known as Crash Hill) moments after... more
"Last summer, a small team of researchers, guided by Don Cormier, rediscovered the wreck of the 1946 American Overseas Airlines crash. This aircraft crashed on 03 October 1946 into Hare Hill (now known as Crash Hill) moments after departing Harmon Airfield, and with 39 fatalities, it became the worst commercial air disaster in the world at the time.

On that first visit, archaeologists did a preliminary survey of the site, and had it classed as a provincial archaeology site. This summer, a full archaeological survey is planned, in an attempt to inventory what is on the site and, if possible, to get a better idea of what happened the day of the crash and on subsequent recovery operations. This talk will feature some of the history and archaeology of the site, allowing for many the first glimpse of a historically important, but tragic, moment in the history of Harmon Airfield.

In addition, while archaeologists were visiting this past June, a visit was paid to the site of the 1944 C-54 crash at Cape St. George. The site was recorded, and steps are being undertaken to have it established as a provincial archaeology site. A brief history and explanation of the protections the site now has as an archaeology site will be given. "
World War II in Newfoundland saw an influx of Canadian, American and other international servicemen who lived in and passed though the various bases around the colony. The Gander Airport was a hub of activity in this era and was home to... more
World War II in Newfoundland saw an influx of Canadian, American and other international servicemen who lived in and passed though the various bases around the colony. The Gander Airport was a hub of activity in this era and was home to many USAAF and RCAF men and women. In 2011, excavations were undertaken at the Globe Theatre on the RCAF side of the Gander Airbase in an attempt to determine if the North Americans had any influence on Newfoundland consumption or vice versa. An analysis of soda bottle fragments found on site gives a good preliminary idea of what sodas became popular during the war era, and what drinks Newfoundlanders introduced to the servicemen and women.
A live interview with The Telegram reporter, Steve Bartlett, about an aviation archaeology project in Stephenville, Newfoundland. The interview accompanies the feature article found at:... more
A live interview with The Telegram reporter, Steve Bartlett, about an aviation archaeology project in Stephenville, Newfoundland. 
The interview accompanies the feature article found at:
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2012-10-03/article-3091263/The-forgotten-crash/1
In the Second World War, Gander, Newfoundland, housed the largest airbase in the world. At Gander, the RCAF, the USAAF, and the RAF were involved in Eastern Air Command, and Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Ferry Command/Transport Command.... more
In the Second World War, Gander, Newfoundland, housed the largest airbase in the world. At Gander, the RCAF, the USAAF, and the RAF were involved in Eastern Air Command, and Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Ferry Command/Transport Command. Tens of thousands of aircraft passed through Gander during the war; some never making it out of Gander. Around the airport town there are aircraft wreck sites left-over from the war, and they are all at risk from the weather, and scrap and aircraft collectors. As part of a doctoral project, nine of these sites have been investigated archaeologically in an effort to research and preserve some of the wartime history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Successful excavations have inventoried sites and uncovered more information about the crashes. Public presentations have encouraged site protection, and allowed this researcher to hear many personal stories about work and life at the Gander airbase.
A radio interview on CBC Radio Weekend AM with members of the Historic Aviation Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, including myself and Dr. Michael Deal, discussing the ongoing production of a documentary about the Hindenburg and its... more
A radio interview on CBC Radio Weekend AM with members of the Historic Aviation Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, including myself and Dr. Michael Deal, discussing the ongoing production of a documentary about the Hindenburg and its sightings over Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since 2007, the author has been applying archaeological methods to mapping and inventorying World War II aviation archaeology sites around Gander, Newfoundland, as part of a PhD thesis. Aviation archaeology differs from other forms of... more
Since 2007, the author has been applying archaeological methods to mapping and inventorying World War II aviation archaeology sites around Gander, Newfoundland, as part of a PhD thesis. Aviation archaeology differs from other forms of archaeology in that aviation sites are often a single event (the aircraft crash and subsequent rescue/recovery), often in difficult to access and remote areas, and involve large artifacts/features that are often at risk for scavenging. This project has had to learn how to adapt archaeological, forensic and crash investigation techniques to completely different sites. In most cases, a clear methodology cannot be determined until researchers step on to the crash site and assess the best possible method to record and research the site.
A panel discussion where I will be discussing my archaeological work in Gander and the resulting partnerships with local heritage groups, such as the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest.
A follow up interview talking about the archaeological work undertaken in Gander this summer. The focus of the discussion will be on the excavations of the Former Town Site of Gander at the Globe Theatre, what was found there, and... more
A follow up interview talking about the archaeological work undertaken in Gander this summer. The focus of the discussion will be on the excavations of the Former Town Site of Gander at the Globe Theatre, what was found there, and community involvement.
Radio interview on CBC radio discussing past archaeological work done in Gander, and the aviation archaeology planned for the 2011 field season.
On 29 December 1943, United States Army Air Force aircraft #42-97493 took off from Gander airport. Minutes later it crashed in a heavily wooded area. Years later, that areas became the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest, a protected area... more
On 29 December 1943, United States Army Air Force aircraft #42-97493 took off from Gander airport.  Minutes later it crashed in a heavily wooded area.  Years later, that areas became the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest, a protected area of forest that features trails and educational panels to educate the public on good forestry practices.  The B-17 has been incorporated in to the trail system, and can be seen from the Tipping Trail.
This presentation will look at the history of the aircraft, including images from the initial crash investigation, and at the archaeological research that has been done over the past year at the site.
Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich aviation history. The first trans-Atlantic flight left from St. John’s, Amelia Earhart departed Harbour Grace for her historic flight, and during the Second World War the Newfoundland Airport in... more
Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich aviation history.  The first trans-Atlantic flight left from St. John’s, Amelia Earhart departed Harbour Grace for her historic flight, and during the Second World War the Newfoundland Airport in Gander was the largest in the world.  During and after the war, all aircraft leaving North America for Europe had to pass through Gander or Goose Bay to refuel. This paper explores the many modern cultural uses of pre-confederation aviation sites (i.e., airstrips, buildings and crash sites).  This includes use as tourist attractions, military training grounds, forestry teaching tools, trail markers, and places of memorial to war and air disaster casualties.  This paper will also look at how archaeology can add to many of these experiences and strengthen the sense of history and community with regards to aviation sites.
In an airport town, like Gander, Newfoundland, aviation sites hold a special meaning. Aviation sites tell the history of the town and of early aviation. Although many of the sites in Gander are from the Second World War, they are still... more
In an airport town, like Gander, Newfoundland, aviation sites hold a special meaning.  Aviation sites tell the history of the town and of early aviation. Although many of the sites in Gander are from the Second World War, they are still important to the community and people of Gander. 
This paper explores the many cultural uses of aviation sites, from tourism sites (Old Town of Gander), military training grounds (Ventura near  Benton), sources of income (a Hudson and a B-17), to forestry teaching tools (B-17 in the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest), to trail markers for ski-dooers and flight path markers for aircraft(Ventura in Benton and a Digby in Gander), and of course, places of memorial to war and air disaster casualties (Silent Witness Memorial, B-24 Eagle near Gander, Sabena near Glenwood), aviation sites carry many meanings and purposes to many people and become an important part of the community.  This paper will look at all of these uses and how archaeology can add to these experiences and strengthen the sense of history and community with regards to these sites.
In July 2007, a team of archaeologists from Memorial University of Newfoundland investigated the wreck site of a World War II era B-24 Liberator bomber that crashed in Gander, Newfoundland, on 14 February 1945. This presentation will... more
In July 2007, a team of archaeologists from Memorial University of  Newfoundland investigated the wreck site of a World War II era B-24 Liberator bomber that crashed in Gander, Newfoundland, on 14 February 1945.  This presentation will examine how the information gathered by archaeologists of a recent  history site can be used to compliment and add to the information available in  the historical record.  Added to this, the mapping of the debris field was used to discover the mechanics of the crash, information that can be used to examine the final moments or the aircraft and crew.  This information is of importance not only to researchers, but also to the living family members of the crew.  In 2009, Bill Dolan, son of Col. William Dolan, the pilot of the aircraft, visited Gander to help memorialize the site, to have questions regarding the crash answered, and to achieve a sense of closure surrounding his father’s death, over 60 years after the incident.
This paper will discuss the methods used for the documentation and  analysis of an aircraft crash site and the recent experiences memorializing this aircraft and crew and how this work can affect living memory.
An overview of the archaeological work to be done in and around Gander, Newfoundland, as part of a doctoral project.  Presented at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum annual general meeting.
A review of the 2010 field season in Gander, Newfoundland, looking at the sites visited and preliminary research regarding the remains of a World War II aircraft found in the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest.
Radio interview with CBC discussing the aviation archaeology work being done in Gander, Newfoundland.
Radio interview with CBC discussing the aviation archaeology work being done in Gander, Newfoundland.
CBC Land and Sea Episode, 08 February 2015 During World War II, the skies over Gander were alive with planes. They stopped to refuel, and took off again to join the front lines of the air battle in Europe. Some didn't make it. Planes... more
CBC Land and Sea Episode, 08 February 2015

During World War II, the skies over Gander were alive with planes.  They stopped to refuel, and took off again to join the front lines of the air battle in Europe.  Some didn't make it.

Planes crashed in Gander's woods and bogs and the wrecks are still there today.  We'll take you to the carnage and tell you the stories of some long forgotten, fallen war birds.
Research Interests:
An interview with Tim Rast about my research posted on the Elfshot: Sticks and Stones archaeological blog.
Research Interests:
Newspaper article about the history and archaeology of a 1946 commercial plane crash that happened near Stephenville, NL. Includes interview information with Lisa M. Daly, David Hebbard and Don Cormier.
A look at the resources available to researchers exploring aviation sites, with a focus on the author's Second World War Research in Gander
In the Second World War, Gander, Newfoundland, was the largest airbase in the world. Now, the landscape of Gander features relics of that history. Airplane crash sites can be found in the forests and bogs around the airport, some easily... more
In the Second World War, Gander, Newfoundland, was the largest airbase in the world. Now, the landscape of Gander features relics of that history. Airplane crash sites can be found in the forests and bogs around the airport, some easily accessible, some not. My goal as an archaeologist is to record and protect these sites, and to engage the public to appreciate and help protect this history. Sadly, often when sites become accessible they are looted for scrap metal and the site is destroyed. Using Gander and other sites around Newfoundland as examples, this paper proposes to open discussion about the balance between archaeological integrity, site protection, and opening up archaeological sites for public consumption. In some cases around Newfoundland, sites have been all but destroyed by accessibility, while with others, increased accessibility has helped protect the site and allowed them to serve as memorials. How can archaeologists, civic governments, museums and the public work together to ensure the preservation of sites while engaging the public in the history and sacrifice of these Second World War aircraft crash sites.
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