RRPG Big Dig weekend - Day 1 - RAF airbase dump

[Steve T]

Hi all

Well, the RRPG members are participating in a 'Big Dig' weekend, and today has been a superb day with some fantastic relics recovered. I thought I'd get the thread started with pictures of some of my finds from the day, already cleaned !! I work quickly when excited by finds !!!

So first up, pictures of everything I took home before being cleaned.

In amongst this lot are 15 No 848 (or No 42) nose fuze bases, a couple of caps and some other very nice items........



The three items stood at the back were all the same and two of which had a data plate on them, shown below.



The data plate.....



Now for some of the stuff after cleaning.



Not sure about this item. Very well made but no markings. Any ideas?





Two very nice dials.



A really nice bomb arming solenoid



A No. 42 base, (although the No. 848 used the same base as the No. 42), one of two I recovered on the day that were actually marked No. 42 !!! This also has a date of July 1942



this one took a little bit of IDing. The side not shown almost looks sectioned but needs more cleaning before I show it !! It is a No. 860 flare fuze.



And here is what it should look like





Fairly confident this is off a Merlin. Big valve. No markings though.



Totally brilliant find this one. This was found using a metal detector with the discrimination turned right up. The code positively IDs it as a...........Tail light from a Mosquito !!!!!!!!!!!





And this was also found using a detector and caused me to swear alot ! Merlin engine exhaust stub from a Lancaster !!!!





And here they are in situ with RAF ground crew working on them.



Lots more really good finds to come from both myself and the other guys present at the dig.

Let's hope tomorrow brings some just as cool finds

And sorry for all the exclamation marks but I am rather excited.



Steve T

[MD Helmets]

I believe you have every right to be excited, Steve! Here are a few more for ya

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I ever make it to that side of the pond I would love to spend a weekend digging. Not trying to invite myself, just really excited to see these items. The mosquito taillight (or navigation light?) is a great piece. I bet you did the happy dance when you unearthed that gem. We don't really have the chance here. A lot of digging for Civil War items around my area but not much by way of WWII.

Thanks for showing us your finds

[381st digger]

Really nice stuff Steve!
Gutted I couldn't make it today but there ya go maybe next time.

Andy.

[Danmark]

Wonderful stuff Steve! ....... I concur with the others that I'd love to do a base dig ( like finding buried treasure! )
So I suppose these were all spares that got dumped in clearance pits after the war? ..... because they don't look worn out or broken?
I mean, what is there to wear out on a lanc exhaust stub??????

Dan

[hangarman]

Great finds again Steve, for Danmark's info the exhaust stubbs crack, due to expansion/contraction and so need repairing or replacing quite frequently.
Cheers
Hangarman

[Danmark]

Great finds again Steve, for Danmark's info the exhaust stubbs crack, due to expansion/contraction and so need repairing or replacing quite frequently.
Cheers
Hangarman

Thanks for that
Dan

[m3bobby]

The data plate could be from a CBLS, Carrier, Bomb, Light, Stores.

[Paul B]

The data plate could be from a CBLS, Carrier, Bomb, Light, Stores.

Indeed it is, the panel is the main mounting plate that the rest of the carrier is fitted to.



Photos to follow from the stuff I dragged home, but for those who were there that flight control lump with the cogs on it from "Mossie Corner" actually turns out to be from a Ford-built B-24...
Not something I'd have expected to find at that particular site.

And as for Jay's brass and glass disc with the lines on it, I was pretty close with my field ID.
It's the Lubber Line overlay for an H2S radar screen.

[Steve T]

Thanks guys And great news on the ID's......VERY pleased !!!!!!!

[ian_]

Sounds like an excellent day, looking forward to more pics!