2024-03-28T22:04:25+00:00https://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/jsonhttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/xmlhttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/rsshttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/atomhttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/kmlhttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/geojsonhttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results/format/qrcodehttps://marinefinds.org.uk/database/search/results13110finds-1212MAS-100012LANDING CRAFT INFANTRYMODERNThis hulk is situated on the River Deben, just outside of Melton (Suffolk) and is estimated to measure 11.5 m in length and 3 m in width. The structure is rectangular in shape with squared edges and straight sides. One end suggests the presence of a bulkhead and a hatch or doorway, while the other end is missing. Parts of possible rudder components are located close to the bulkhead, suggesting that this is the stern. Internal frames can be seen throughout the remaining structure; estimated measurements reveal a spacing of approximately 0.42 m. The hull is constructed of wood in a double diagonal layout, with metal plating over the top on the exterior of the hull. The hulk shows extensive deterioration and many of its fixtures and fittings have been stripped. A large proportion of the vessel is now missing.
The shape, size and construction are all indicative of a British Landing Craft Assault (LCA) from the Second World War (WW2). The basic structure of this type of landing craft was a double diagonal wooden hull, commonly built using mahogany (Lavery 2009:20), although other timber species were used to keep up with the number of vessels required. Steel armour plating was then added as an outer skin. The overall length of an LCA was 12.7 m (41.6 ft) with a beam of 3 m (10 ft) (Royal Marines Museum). The main feature of LCA's was the bow ramp, used for amphibious landings such as on D-Day. This part of the vessel appears to be missing and may explain why the hulk has no bulkhead or bow features. The main use of the vessel was for troop transport; this featureless area took up most of the length of the hull. The internal frame spacing of LCA's was 0.45 m (Lavery 2009:21). At the after end of the troop compartment was a watertight bulkhead that separated the engine room (Lavery 2009:19). This bulkhead had a hatch for access by the stoker, which may be what is visible on the remaining hulk. After the engine room there was no further armour plating, which serves to explain the complete loss of the stern. It is difficult to positively identify this vessel as, athough the hulk displays several characteristics of an LCA, with the overall lack of structure it is possible that the remains may be of a barge or similar vessel. The British LCA was developed early in WW2 to meet the need for landing troops on invasion beaches, being built between 1939 and 1945. The LCA was developed from a prototype designed by John Thornycroft Ltd, who then took up much of the LCA construction throughout the war (Lavery 2009:18). The landing craft proved to be a vital tool in WW2, particularly in the invasion of mainland Europe. The vessel allowed troops to be ferried from the main transport to the beachhead, with a shallow draft allowing it to be driven right into the shallows. Additionally, the low silhouette and almost silent engines added to the success of the vessel.
If this vessel is an LCA, its location suggests that it was possibly used as a training vessel. The south coast of Suffolk was extensively used for all kinds of training during WW2. A large area directly to the east of Woodbridge, and across the river from the hulk, was acquisitioned by the military for training purposes (Liddiard and Sims 2014:37). The coastline also made it ideal for training in amphibious landings.
The NRHE and Suffolk HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the 'Melton (north) hulk assemblage', an assemblage of seven hulked vessels in the intertidal zone at Melton, on the north bank of the River Deben. This site is recorded in two surveys: Rapid Field Survey of the Suffolk Coast and Intertidal Zone (Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service 2003) and Hulk Assemblages: Assessing the national context (Museum of London Archaeology 2011, 2013), however no vessel types are recorded. It has also been recorded through the Coastal and Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network (CITiZAN) No. 82023. Maritime craft41411939194513MAS2016-09-30T00:00:00ZLanding craft1526476Suffolk HER: TM 25 SE 52In situ2016-09-30T16:14:24Z2016-10-10T11:56:02Z123000115001142428235PAS57F2732E001889215934SuffolkTM285052.10131961.32763397hindering.declines.plays10MAS MASMASWood11988Steel11786IncompletePoorMODERNMODERNCoastal walkingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of Wreckimage1.JPG33images/MASTH2017-11-06T18:24:41.953Zfinds-77MAS-100007SPOONMODERNThis spoon is made of a metal alloy, possibly copper alloy, and was probably originally plated. Its manufacture would have been cast. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) crest is stamped into the end of the spoon. The crest features the RAAF monogram with a laurel wreath surmounted by a crown. This crest is the same style as that used for cap badges and is modelled from a Royal Air Force (RAF) crest.
The more widely adopted RAAF crest was commissioned and designed in 1937 and accepted in 1939. It is composed of the imperial crown mounted on a circle featuring the words 'Royal Australian Air Force' and overlaid with a wedge-tailed eagle. Beneath this the scroll work displays the Latin motto 'Per Ardua Ad Astra' (through adversity to the stars).
This spoon may have been issued by the RAAF victualling department for squadron members to use in the mess, or to a particular individual as one item of their personal mess gear accompanied by crockery and other cutlery. It was the Australian Defence Force that adopted the cutlery moniker 'eating irons'.
The spoon was discovered on Batten Beach, Plymouth, which is in proximity to RAF Mount Batten, a RAF station and flying boat base, and indicates the likely origin and time period of its loss, although it may have been produced any time after 1921, when the RAAF was formed.The RAF Station Mount Batten was used as a base for flying boats to defend south-west England since 1 October 1928. The start of the Second World War (WW2) saw an increase in operational flying from the base and it was also targeted during German air raids. Two Australian squadrons were under RAF operation control at Mount Batten during WW2: No 461 and No 10 Squadron, both flying the Short Sunderland.
No 461 Squadron was formed at RAF Mount Batten on 25 April 1942 as an anti-submarine squadron and was stationed there until 31 August 1942. It was disbanded on 4 June 1945, having destroyed six German U-boats. Sixty-four of the 86 squadron members killed were Australian.
No 10 Squadron was formed on 1 July 1939 and was the first RAAF and British Commonwealth squadron to see active service in WW2. Running anti-submarine operations and patrols, No 10 Squadron operated mainly from bases in southern Britain. It took over the base at Mount Batten in April 1940, however moved to Pembroke in May 1941. No 10 Squadron returned to Mount Batten in January 1942 and remained stationed there until it was disbanded on 26 October 1945, and left for Australia. The squadron sank six U-boats and lost 161 personnel during WW2.
The NRHE and City of Plymouth HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the base at Mount Batten.Food preparation and consumption414119401945382/163MAS2016-07-25T00:00:00ZCutlery1200528City of Plymouth HER Number: SX 45 SE 589With finder2016-09-08T08:56:24Z2016-12-14T10:47:45Z71728411445PAS57BC1B67001A23PAS57BC1E1600176F223147DevonSX485350.35723329-4.13817474filled.record.crash10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627CastPlatedCompleteCorrodedMODERNMODERNCoastal walkingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckDSC_0292.JPG15images/MASMF2017-11-06T18:25:06.061Zfinds-104104MAS-F100104SHELL CASESMODERNThe shell case measures 660 mm long and is 152 mm in diameter at the base, and 116 mm in diameter at the neck though this has been buckled and stretched. The shell case appears to have been either constructed without a base, or it has been removed at some point in the past. The diameter of the neck and its overall size point to it being a 4.5-inch or possibly a 4.7-inch shell case. Without the base with the details of type, manufacturer and date of manufacture, the history and origin of this case is not clear. It would have been part of a fixed round, i.e. the shell was attached to the shell case like a large rifle round. The maximum weight of these rounds was around 36 kg (80 lbs), which was the weight considered to be sustainable for loading manually loaded fixed ammunition. The 4.5-inch gun has been the standard medium-gun calibre of the Royal Navy for use against surface, aircraft and shore targets since 1938, and in the case of the 4.7-inch gun since 1916.
The history of this shell case is unknown, however, based on the damage it has sustained and the degree of corrosion, it appears that the shell was pried out of it and the base cut off with a lathe at some point in the past, before the remainder was lost or discarded. ARMOUR AND WEAPONS41411221/173MAS2017-08-23T00:00:00ZAMMUNITIONWith finder2017-08-23T08:19:22Z2018-05-08T08:41:12Z104152660150282114PAS57C96ECD001E82PAS59C90C510011A322625East SussexTQ440050.781702980.04126088pastels.dash.stockpile10MAS MASMASYellow metalIncompleteFairMODERNMODERNFishingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckFIPAD_2017081783.JPG246images/MASABB2018-05-08T07:41:12.137Zfinds-109109MAS-F100109BOATMODERNThis find is an unidentified curved aluminium sheet that measures approximately 0.94 m by 0.24 m and has a thickness of 5 mm. The sheet displays one riveted hole and one area still exhibits faint traces of red paint. The sheet is covered in a layer of marine growth.
Initially it was believed that this object could be associated with aviation remains, however, after consulting our historic aircraft specialist, it was confirmed that the material is too thick to belong to an aircraft. The colour red does not often appear, other than on external markings or Luftwaffe radio equipment, both of which would have been made of a lighter gauge material. Although the origin of this aluminium sheet is unknown, it is possible that it is of industrial origin; or it may be related to vessel superstructure plating or in the internal construction for retaining insulating material.TRANSPORT41411219/173MAS2017-08-23T00:00:00ZWATER CRAFTWith finder2017-08-23T08:40:58Z2018-05-08T08:40:03Z109524094012728114PAS57C96ECD001E82PAS57C96ECD001E8222625East SussexTQ440050.781702980.04126088pastels.dash.stockpile10MAS MASMASWhite metal11967FragmentMODERNMODERNFishingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckFIPAD_2017081726.JPG277images/MASABB2018-05-08T07:40:03.024Zfinds-108108MAS-F100108PORTHOLEMODERNThis object is the remains of a brass porthole ring measuring 250 mm across with a brass rim 28 mm wide. It is thought that this frame would have been on the outside of the hull of the vessel while an internal frame on the inside of the vessel would have contained the glass element and a hinged deadlight (a metal plate that was both a curtain and a reinforcement against heavy seas).
Portholes have been used for centuries to allow light and ventilation to enter the lower, darker levels of vessels and in some early cases, as a means of seeing out of a submersible. Portholes are watertight and are generally crafted from glass, secured within a metal frame that is then bolted to the vessel. The popular metals that are used to create the frame of the portholes are bronze and brass because these metals corrode less in saltwater.Fixtures and Fittings41411225/173MAS2017-08-23T00:00:00ZPortholeWith finder2017-08-23T08:38:12Z2018-05-08T08:40:10Z10825032815028214PAS57C96ECD001E82PAS5A27DDB80016AC22625East SussexTQ440050.781702980.04126088pastels.dash.stockpile10MAS MASMASYellow metalIncompleteMODERNMODERNFishingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckFIPAD_2017081732.JPG272images/MASABB2018-05-08T07:40:10.128Zfinds-111111MAS-F100111AIRCRAFT COMPONENTMODERNAluminium aircraft section, heavily corroded and damaged. No identifying marks or plates visible, though two cross member plate remnants present. 870 x 45mm.
The lack of identifying marks means that the type and origin of the aircraft cannot be definitively identified from this recovered section. Initially thought to be part of a piston engine support frame from something like a Spitfire fighter, a Dakota transport aircraft, or perhaps one of the multi-engined bombers,this theory was discarded as these are generally circular in section. The double row of rivet holes down one side (presumably where it attached to the skin) suggest it is more likely a stringer of some description. A stringer is a Longitudinal member (i.e. in the fuselage aligned with the longitudinal axis and in wings and tail surfaces perpendicular to this axis) which gives the airframe its shape and provides the support for the skin. In fuselages, they link frames and in aerofoils they link ribs. The consensus therefore, is that it is from the outer wing rib of a single engine aeroplane or the fin/tail plane rib of a larger multi engine aircraft from the Second World War; and has characteristics that suggest it is from a Royal Air Force or British aircraft. However, due to the corrosion and the very close variations in measurement between both metric and imperial measurements, i.e. millimetres (mm), standard wire gauge (swg) or thousands of an inch (thou), used by aircraft designers during this period, the use of the spacing and diameter of rivets, bolt holes and other spacings combined with any drilling/stamping errors means that these do not help in identifying the piece. The damage to the piece also means that the use of rivet pitch, which might identify the manufacturer, rather than the country of origin, would be open to a wide degree of error.TRANSPORT41411218/173MAS2017-08-23T00:00:00ZVehicle componentWith finder2017-08-23T08:47:41Z2018-05-23T13:59:19Z111458701272811422625East SussexTQ440050.781702980.04126088pastels.dash.stockpile10MAS MASMASWhite metal11967FragmentMODERNMODERNFishingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckFIPAD_201708174.JPG288images/MAS2018-05-23T12:59:19.121Zfinds-103103MAS-F100103BOTTLEMODERNThis flat-based Hamilton, or 'torpedo' bottle stands 240 mm high, with a 64-mm wide base and is approximately 90 mm wide at the waist. It has a 'bottle logo' embossed on its base. There are possibly other text/numerals that have since worn away. The bottle shows moulding scars on the base and sides. It has a crown top finish.
The egg-shaped bottle was first patented by William Francis Hamilton in 1814, the idea being that the bottle had to be stored on its side to keep the cork wet and ensuring a good seal on the reusable bottle. In around 1870, the flat based egg or Hamilton bottle was introduced. Following the 'blob top' finish being replaced by the crown top and cork sometime after 1892, when this cap design was patented, the design became more popular. This was because the bottles could now be reliably stored upright without cork shrinkage and a leaky seal causing loss of the carbonated gas. This is recognisable on this bottle by the beaded rim that the metal cap fitted over. These are also generally c.25mm in diameter. The cap would have been metal with a cork lining. This, however, lead to the decline in the popularity of torpedo bottles as it made them no longer necessary (Lucas, 2010).
The mould scar travels up the neck to the lip of the bottle and this would suggest that it was manufactured around 1910 on a semi or fully automated bottle making machine, near to the end of their popularity. The 'bottle logo' on the base is probably the manufactures logo, however, several manufacturers used the same logo as their mark and therefore it has not now been possible to isolate its exact point of manufacture. The bottles were extensively exported from the U.K. and are therefore found around the world, but particularly in the former colonies and North America.BOTTLE41413MAS2017-08-23T00:00:00ZFood and liquid storage containerWith finder2017-08-23T08:15:00Z2018-05-23T14:00:10Z24010390118284911422625East SussexTQ440050.781702980.04126088pastels.dash.stockpile10MAS MASMASGlass10879MouldedCompleteFairMODERNMODERNFishingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckFIPAD_2017081795.JPG241images/MAS2018-05-23T13:00:10.772Zfinds-221221MAS-D100221VALVEMODERNOne brass stopper and one brass valve. The valve has spherical central body, with three different piped connections conjoining at right angles, each indentical in style; circular and 30 mm long, with a 180 mm approximate diameter. It is wheel-operated, with the wheel shaft thinner than the piped connections at 25 mm, before expanding to a larger shaft with diameter of 65 mm. The condition of the valve is heavily corroded and encrusted with metal growths. The stopper is in a similar condition, although one nut and bolt at its centre appears to be in fair condition.This item was found with 11 hamilton bottles (MAS-D100222), four ink bottles (MAS-D100223), a copper saucepan (MAS-D100224) and two glass fruit storage bottles (MAS-D100225).
All of these items were recovered from the wreck of SS Strathclyde, a British trading steamship built in 1871 in Blackwood, Port Glasgow. The ship sank in 1876 off Dover whilst carrying 23 passengers and 47 crew for Bombay, following a collision with Franconia and resulting in the loss of 38 lives.
NRHE and Kent HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Strathclyde.
The location of SS Strathclyde was taken from the British National Grid co-ordinate from the National Record of the Historic Environment.Transport4141302/183MAS2018-09-17T00:00:00ZVessel component813607Kent HER Number: TR 33 NW 23With finder2018-09-21T09:36:49Z2020-02-19T13:15:27Z2212202901745515PAS5C50379B001E6C218210KentTR343851.093539951.34042371fatigue.paddles.woodland10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627FabricatedCompleteEncrustedMODERNMODERNDiving221_IMG_8756Large.JPG579images/MASRobbie Trevelyan2020-02-19T13:15:27.309Zfinds-3131MAS-O100031TIMBERMODERNPossible ships timber or part of other marine or land based structure. Truncated rounded timber with hole and evidence of mounting plate for furniture, broken or rotted off at one end exposing heart wood and a knot in the wood. Approximately 2000 mm long and 600 mm in diameter. The undamaged half of the timber appears in good condition, implying a more recent date for the timber, whereas the other part appears to have suffered extensive degradation. The arrangement of damage to the timber suggests it may have been partially submerged during its useful life, possibly as part of a shore based instalment such as a jetty or quay.Timber29413MAS2017-03-09T00:00:00ZUnclassified worked timber2017-03-09T16:32:49Z2020-02-21T11:57:28Z316002000114235PAS5C5037EF001C03217765HampshireSZ699850.77748385-1.0227273minute.catch.muddy10MAS MASMASWood11988IncompletePoorMEDIEVALx14221MODERNCoastal walkingIMG_2450.JPG92images/MASPhil Trim2020-02-21T11:57:28.321Zfinds-220220MAS-D100220VALVEMODERNTwo small brass valves and one small double valve. The first item has three conections, with two sections of thinner pipe (10 mm diameter approx) still attached perpendicular to threaded fixing, and both twisted. The thicker pipe (38 mm approx) runs parallel and opposite to threaded fixing. In all cases the rest of the pipes have sheared off. The second valve is similar in characteristics to the first, with three connections and a threaded fixing. This valve is slightly smaller and less encrusted, and only one section of thin (10 mm approx) pipe attached perpendicular to threaded fixing. Both valves have quite spherical central sections. Third valve is a double valve, with only one connection perpendicular to threaded fixing and wider second connnection (100 mm approx) opposite and parallel to threaded fixing. This item is heavily encrusted so unsure as to accuracy of interpretation. Both are heavily corroded and in poor condition.These items were recovered from the wreck SS Blanefield. Built in 1898 in Sunderland by the Short Brothers Ltd, the SS Blanefield was a screw driven steamship of 3,411 tons, a cargo carrying coaster. She sank following a collision in broad daylight with the four masted barque Kate Thomas on 1st May 1906 approximately 4 miles from Beachy Head, East Sussex. At the time the SS Blanefield was en route from Junin to Dover carrying a cargo of railway sleepers and lines. The vessel sank in under four minutes with most of the crew being rescued with 21 of the crew of 28 surviving the incident. The Kate Thomas was taken to Southampton under tow on the following day. NRHE and East Sussex HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Blanefield.Transport41411301/183MAS2018-09-02T00:00:00ZVessel component911487East Sussex HER: TV 58 NE 56With finder2018-09-21T08:53:56Z2020-03-26T11:48:55Z22037725315PAS5C50379B001E6C22625East SussexTV588850.670230920.2345585footballs.criminalist.wildflower10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627Copper alloy10627FabricatedIncompletePoorMODERNMODERNDiving220_IMG_8682.JPG573images/MASRobbie Trevelyan2020-03-26T11:48:55.212Z