Temporary dam construction on River Dangu

Local workers construct a temporary dam on the River Dangu, Belgian Congo (Zaire). The dam was being constructed in order to create a lake to allow the flying boat Corsair to take off. The Imperial Airways flying boat had made an enforced landing in March 1939, and was at first thought to be unrepairable, and the order given for it to be dismantled. A company engineer from Alexandria thought otherwise, and repairs were made and a first dam constructed. The attempt to take off in June 1939 failed and further damage resulted. Following more repaiirs and the construction of a second dam, the second attempt to take off, in January 1940, was a success and the Corsair arrived in England on January 15th 1940

Congo Dangu Temporary Zaire

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