Some nice US 8th Airforce finds 30/1/11

**381st digger** · 05-08-2011, 07:34 PM

Now on to the best finds IMO.
First up is the oxy bottle. Sadly no markings but im not complaining.
Next is a spent link chut from a ball turret.
And lastly for now is part of a chin turret compleat with zippers.

**381st digger** · 05-08-2011, 07:46 PM

Chin turret part can be seen in this photo. Ignor the B&W one its not the same.

**Steve T** · 05-08-2011, 10:05 PM

Some excellent finds there 381st

I love the spent link chute, the bottles and the toothbrushes

Excellent site by the looks

Steve T

**381st digger** · 05-08-2011, 10:13 PM

Thanks Steve, This is my 1st link chute from this site but i think Gremlin is up to 3 now. The down side to this site is its a 98mile round trip for me to get there but it seems to be worth it!!!!!

**Paul B** · 05-09-2011, 01:30 AM

by 381st digger

Chin turret part can be seen in this photo. Ignor the B&W one its not the same.

It would appear that the same casting (and associated barrel tube behind) was used on these "field modified" chin turrets.
On occasion when probably when a zip jammed or failed rather than replacing the canvas and zippers they were removed entirely and replaced by simple loose canvas bags fixed to the casting, as can be seen in the B&W photo.
Some were left bare (must have been a chilly wind blowing right up underneath the bombardier/togglier), and some very late chin turrets had a solid sliding metal baffle installed.

All the best,
PB

**381st digger** · 05-09-2011, 06:12 PM

Hadnt thought of that but your most likely right. They must have snagged up from time to time.
Andy

**Steve T** · 05-09-2011, 09:12 PM

98 miles ? PFFF !

The gunnery range I go to is 96 miles ONE WAY !

Your site is 'just round the corner' ya big baby

Steve T

**381st digger** · 05-09-2011, 09:51 PM

Ok Ok im just being a girl Steve.

Can anyone tell me where that oxygen bottle came from because i thought it was a walk round bottle but it doesnt really seem to be right for that. Any help would be good

**Whitehunter** · 05-09-2011, 09:56 PM

Well done with the clean up. Looking forward to your next visit

**Paul B** · 05-09-2011, 10:05 PM

by 381st digger

Can anyone tell me where that oxygen bottle came from because i thought it was a walk round bottle but it doesnt really seem to be right for that. Any help would be good

Looks like the early version of the green A-4 walkaround bottle, before it was lightened and simplified.

All the best,
PB