Epilogue

No 601, just like the previously surviving DH82As which had been classified as obsolete or withdrawn from service after minor accidents, had a sad end too as it was also broken up for scrap.

However, the vision of Col. Meregalli allowed one of this magnificent aircraft, very important part of our Nation’s Aviation History, to be saved for future generations to enjoy. Sadly, despite all our efforts we have not been able to identify the military serial number nor the manufacturer’s Construction Number of the surviving sample.

This example, dismantled and devoid of its fabric covering, sat for decades in a dark corner of the Aeronautical Museum of Uruguay in Montevideo covered in dust, awaiting the fateful day it may be restored to its former glory days.
Presently in April 2007, this once proud aircraft is undergoing the painstakingly slow process of being restored to static display. The huge task of restoring this aircraft, sourcing parts and other technical data to assist in the process, has been undertaken by a group of very enthusiastic local and overseas based volunteers which have formed an associacion oficialy known as the AAMA, “Associacion Friends of the Aeronautical Museum”, but more commonly referred to as the “Ratones de Hangar”.

We also acknowledge the assistance of the following international friends and sponsors:

• Mr Richard Gleeson of Auckland New Zealand who donated replica cowling parts

• Mr Ninian Richardson, who translated this full article to English

• Mr Stuart MacKay MBE, Secretary of The de Havilland Moth Club, Ltd and editor of the The Moth Magazine, for also assisting with this translation, for his invaluable supply of Manufacturer’s data of the Tiger Moths supplied to Uruguay, and also for giving exposure to our restoration project in the English speaking world through his magazine The Moth.

The elegance of the Uruguayan Tiger Moth in flight