RAF base dump - RRPG dig - Feb 2013

[Steve T]

[Richard_J]

Nice finds Rich Are you thinking of setting up a search-light battery? Given the amount of insulators and rods you took home you could more than manage it !

My Grandad (RA) maned a searchlight in Cromer during the first few months of the war (before travelling to the far east), he would have liked to see all the those rods, might plant a few next time I visit him.

[Paul B]

Andy, I've found what that little cranked handle thingy you asked about is from.

It's off an RAF MT inspection lamp, a mate of mine sent me a photo of one he has for sale and the handle is on the bottom to wind the cable in and out.
Pic to follow.

PB

[hangarman]

My haul.

Attachment 461325

...looks like paper backed aluminium foil strips. Is it wishful thinking to think that these could be the strips dropped from bombers to confuse German radar? Or are they something more mundane?

Yes, its Window, strips of foil used to confuse German radar.

Could the carbon rods still be used? I know the Garrison based at Larkhill have a searchlight but I dont know if the carbon rods are still available"off the shelf"

Hangarman

[Richard_J]

Yes, its Window, strips of foil used to confuse German radar.

Could the carbon rods still be used? I know the Garrison based at Larkhill have a searchlight but I dont know if the carbon rods are still available"off the shelf"

Hangarman

That's great, made my day!
I don't know if the rods are usable, some are pretty long, but don't have the pointed end, it would be good to see some of them reused!

[Steve T]

More cleaned bits.



A piece of airframe, (marked), remains of a kit bag lock, Oxy mask clip, RAF belt buckle.



Markings on the airframe piece



Looks like a latch off an ammo can



More bits



The connector is marked. 10H Radio Connectors, Discs Indicating, Fuses, Leads, Plugs and Sockets and Ancillary Parts, Holders and Terminals.



Bomb arming wires, couple of unidentified bits



A solitary piece of 50cal belt feed



A very well engineered bit of connector. Not marked unfortunately



More 848 bits. The two bases look like they've 'gone off' !



303s. Lots of them.



Most were very common headstamps but I had two that I've not got examples of before. SR - Royal Ordinance Factory, Spennymoor, Durham. Both incendiary and with remains of paint around the anulus.



Last item was given to me by 381st, (thanks ). Seems to be a mg belt link ejector chute, but it's very small. I've tried one of my 303 disintegrating links in it and it does fit. Off a turret maybe ?









Steve T

[381st digger]

A couple more bits.
The front of an RAF oxygen mask.
And a nice little brass "thing" any ideals?

[cornishboy]

Cracking finds fellas,iv been following this thread avidly,and you haven't dissapointed

[Steve T]

Interesting brass thingy 381st. Four dials......for four engines ? Love the radio on/off switch off the front of the mask

[Steve T]

A couple more bits, once more proving that you should always take EVERYTHING you find home with you !!

These two bits were in my 'clean them at some point in the next year' pile as I thought they weren't too interesting. I just took a couple of loaves out to the freezer in the garage and thought I'd have five minutes on my pillar drill + wire brush attachment. I chose the two bits pictured below. I don't know why...............but I'm glad I did !!



I know what you're thinking. A rusty piece of crap and an old rusty padlock.

Exactly what I thought.

5 minutes with the electric wire brush.

A small amount of swearing and a 'you will never believe it love' to the wife....

'Oh god....what now?' she replied.

Air ministry !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both of them !





Not sure what the larger item is, but there is the 'AM', clear as day, (although I've circled it just to be sure you see it !)



And the padlock.

A close up.

Never seen one with the AM stamp on it before, but here it is



Ok, not great finds and I'll probably never find out what the larger item is, but still.......AM stamped is good in my book !