WW2 USAAF airbase - March 15th 2010

[Steve T]

Hey all

I returned to 'my' airbase on Monday and was rather dismayed to discover that a number of the buildings had disappeared since my last visit ! Some bloody rotten developer is making way for 'something' although lord knows what. And to make way.........the few remaining buildings are coming down. BAH !

I did of course take the opportunity to search the newly cleared ground and found some unusual bits along with the normal detritus of a military base.

I am fairly certain that I have more or less cleared the base now. I suppose I will always find something but I really do need to bite the bullet (pardon the pun) and move on.

Anyways, here we go with the finds.

Before cleaning.............



And then after cleaning......



Here are some larger pieces post cleaning. The bakelite cover looks like it is off an electrical box as it has an earth connection on it. The piece of aluminium appears to be airframe but has no markings. The wing mirror I have saved just in case it is off an aircraft or jeep....let me know if you recognise it. And finally the 'hanger'. It looks like a coat hanger but it's far too small. I actually found all three bits seperately and married them up after cleaning. What was it used for ? To hang helmets on perhaps ? Or flight caps ? I don't know....post if you do ! The plate has the remains of what could be 'mirroring' around the edges.







A couple of lift the dot fixings with material still attached, and some O rings.



A curious information plate, and two bits of brass I have no clue on. Post if you recognise them please. The smaller brass piece has '3X' stamped on it.



Some other bits I can't ID, although one appears to be made by Lucas......the same company who do electrical bits ? The item bottom left is actually the top off a cigarette lighter. I know this because I found a complete one on the same base a few visits back





This is a very strange object. About 2 inches in diameter and the same deep, it is certainly a dial for something but what I don't know. If you look closely you can make out the words 'SUMMER' and 'HALE'. Anyone know ?





Onto the stuff I have a greater knowledge of !

Firstly a flare cartridge



Now some .30cals and 303's and, very curiously, one spent German 7.92mm round. I found this in the gun pits so I wonder if the guys had a German weapon they were trying out ? Or perhaps it was the result of a German attack ?





Also found lots of 45cals and spent bullets around the gun pits.



And the usual 20mms and 50cals. Two more chopped up 20mms this visit.



And that's the lot. Please help ID stuff if you know what it is !

Cheers

Steve T

[381st digger]

Nice finds Steve,
The small "coat hanger" Looks like its just a piece of clip bord to me?
I like the dile. Sorry i cant tell you what its from. Sure someone will know.

[Steve T]

Thanks Digger.

Interesting view on the 'hanger'. You could well be right. Only thing slightly against it is that the 'hanger' bit actually still moves quite freely and does not appear to be spring loaded in any way. Something I'd expect if it was a clipboard.

And I like the dial to Just need someone to ID it !

Steve T

[ian_]

Interesting selection Steve. Stepping outside my comfort zone here, but could that spring thing be the back of a small shaving mirror? hole to hang it, stand to stand it. Just an idea.

[Reg]

Nice stuff Steve, Intregued by the 7.92 case!!!

Reg

[381st digger]

Interesting selection Steve. Stepping outside my comfort zone here, but could that spring thing be the back of a small shaving mirror? hole to hang it, stand to stand it. Just an idea.

Yep i know what you mean. It could be.

[Steve T]

Interesting selection Steve. Stepping outside my comfort zone here, but could that spring thing be the back of a small shaving mirror? hole to hang it, stand to stand it. Just an idea.

Oh.,.......now that is one HELL of a shout !

You could well be right

Thanks Ian_

Reg - Yep......me to

Steve T

[GasMasksUK]

Awesome finds as always Steve thanks for showing them

Thanks

Danny

[Steve T]

Thanks Danny.

Steve T

***EDIT*** HOLY CRAP ! This is my ONE THOUSANDTH POST

[GasMasksUK]

Thanks Danny.

Steve T

***EDIT*** HOLY CRAP ! This is my ONE THOUSANDTH POST

Couldnt have been a more simple post either

Thanks

Danny