found on beach near Dunkirk

[Perspectivist]

I personally like the resin-encasement idea, this item being so fragile and susceptible to deterioration. I think it's really cool that the fork, clams, and other remnants are there, as it adds a lot to the personality of the item and tells a (somewhat grim) story. I think if all those things are removed, there won't be much setting it apart from a ground-dug item. Just my 2¢

I'm not experienced in preservation, so I'd say just do whatever you think is best for preserving both the item and it's "personality."

John

[Lynn328d]

Nice find ! I walked the entire beach last May during the 75th Anniversary and didn't see a thing !!

Where on the beach was it found ?

Cheers

It was low tide, south (or west) of Bray Dunes. :-)

[HistoryMan]

It was low tide, south (or west) of Bray Dunes. :-)

Nice one

Would have been near to the wrecks of the Crested Eagle and the Devonia. Hundreds of Tommies sadly perished in this area

[Lynn328d]

Nice one

Would have been near to the wrecks of the Crested Eagle and the Devonia. Hundreds of Tommies sadly perished in this area

I know. This whole experience has been surreal. I was outside of the bouy markers for the wrecks, if that makes it a little more ok. It all happened so unexpectedly.
Rest assured,I'm not some tourist who just "found something neat" on the beach. I actually have a degree in history with an emphasis in WWII - although the focus was on the Pacific Campaign. This item is revered and will always be treated with the respect it deserves. If I could do it all over again, I would have just taken pictures and let the tide cover it again. But then - someone else might have come along "treasure hunting" for profit or something. One just never knows.
We spent out holiday visiting Dunkirk and Ypres, Flanders, etc. I am very aware of the British blood spilt on this tragic area of the world. I hope this helps any put to rest any qualms you may have over my find.
KInd regards,