2024-03-29T15:31:18+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/results13140finds-233233MAS-D100233UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTNINETEENTH CENTURYThis find appears to be some form of decorative finial manufactured from a non-ferrous metal, possibly a copper alloy. It measures approximately 356 mm in length, 102 mm in width at the base and 127 mm in width at the widest point just below the top of the object. The base appears to be damaged, though clearly separates into three possible legs or feet. Approximately 76 mm from the base it seems to narrow slightly, possibly due to bearing a ring decoration, though this is difficult to ascertain due to the level of encrustation on the object. The shaft of the item extends for a further c. 76 mm before expanding to a Doric column style embellishment of three gradually expanding rings, the uppermost having rounded edges. Above this is an elaborate styled decoration with six radially arranges loops, coming to a point in the centre.
The intended use of the object is not evident from the available information and it is not clear whether this was cargo or part of a vessels fittings. Suggested uses include a fire dog or part of a fireplace, decorative finial of some description. In terms of date the style appears to be 19th century or later and, given that it comes from a wreck dating to 1878 this seems most likely.This item was recovered from the wreck of SS Pomerania, a German ocean liner steamer built in 1873 by J. Caird & Co., in Greenock. This vessel was one of many owned by the Hamburg Amerikanische Packetfahrt Actien Gesellschaft (HAPAG); a transatlantic shipping enterprise established in Hamburg in 1847 that transported hundreds of thousands of emigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and eastern Europe to the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other destinations around the world. The ship sank in 1878, 5 miles SE of Folkestone whilst carrying 109 passengers and 111 crew en route from New York to Cherbourg and Hamburg, last from Plymouth, following a collision with Welsh barque Moel Eilian and resulting in the loss of 55 lives.
NRHE and Kent HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Pomerania.Metal work39391878304/183MAS2018-09-26T00:00:00Z883110Kent HER Number: TR 33 SW 262018-10-10T10:14:48Z2020-03-26T11:24:01Z233127355173515PAS5C5037EF001C03218210KentTR323251.040489161.30806705resemblances.unopposed.audiobooks10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627UncertainEncrustedNINETEENTH CENTURYNINETEENTH CENTURYDiving233_IMG_8764.JPG602images/MASPhil Trim2020-03-26T11:24:01.774Zfinds-228228MAS-D100228VALVENINETEENTH CENTURYThis copper alloy valve has a spherical central body with three sperate connections. One of the connections has a 25 mm long male thread evident, whilst the remaining two are concealed by concretion. One of the connections is probably a female thread entry and the third of the connections an elbow pipe union. The diameter of the connections is approximately 30 mm. Overall dimensions are approximately 100 mm by 100 mm.
The exact purpose of such a valve is not immediately apparent, though it likely relates to the vessels' operation and machinery rather than any cargo. As a coal powered steam vessel it may relate to the steam system employed or, probably more likely, relates to management of water around the vessel.This item was found with a glass bottle (MAS-D100227).
These items were recovered from the wreck SS Latona. Built in 1856 in the United States by J S & J R Wolf, the SS Latona was a steam ship registered in Liverpool, UK. Whilst on passage from London to Genoa the Latona collided with the SS Silistria on the 30th January 1876 off Shakespeare Cliff, Dover. Though she sank immediately the crew were saved by the Silistria, which was subsequently taken in tow to London. Items, including spoons, have been recovered from the wreck site with the spoons bearing the vessels name used to identify the remains. NRHE and East Sussex HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Latona.Unassigned393918561876303/183MAS2018-09-16T00:00:00Z813423Kent HER: TR 23 SE 23With finder2018-09-25T12:28:37Z2020-03-26T11:30:30Z228100172313PAS5C50379B001E6C218210KentTR283351.051066761.25173598airspace.nullifying.cutting10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627IncompletePoorNINETEENTH CENTURYNINETEENTH CENTURYUnknown227_IMG_8753.JPG593images/MASRobbie Trevelyan2020-03-26T11:30:30.829Zfinds-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-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 Trevelyan2020-03-26T11:48:55.212Zfinds-219219MAS-D100219VALVEMODERNOne small brass expansion valve. It is wheel operated from two opposite ends, roughly 260 mm apart. Approximately 50 mm in from each wheel there is a piped connection with the pipes roughly 25 mm diameter and both kinking into a right angle. Between the two wheels and the pipe connection, at the centre of the expansion valve, is a large metal boss, possibly where the two ends were fixed together. Item is heavily corroded and in poor condition.This item was recovered from the wreck SS Clara (1906). Little is known or certain regarding this vessel due to confusion with another vessel of the same name that was torpedoed off the coast of Cornwall in 1917. The 1906 sinking, of a vessel known as the SS Clara, occurred following a collision near the Royal Sovereign Light Tower in June of that year. She had been en route from Brest to Dunkirk when she collided with the SS Irisbrook. Following the collision the SS Clara was taken in tow but soon abandoned as her decks became awash and she started to list, before eventually sinking. Divers have previously recovered spoons marked with the name Clara and the shipping line Burdick & Cook from the wreck confirming her identity. The remains of a vessel known as SS Irisbrook can be found to the east of the SS Clara, which itself sank following a collision in 1911, this may represent the remains of the same vessel which collided with the SS Clara in 1906.Transport414119061300/183MAS2018-08-30T00:00:00ZVessel componentWith finder2018-09-21T08:49:54Z2020-03-26T11:48:39Z2193001725315PAS5C50379B001E6C22625East SussexTV698650.649174330.38917197dalmatian.stretched.barons10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627FabricatedIncompletePoorMODERNMODERNDiving219_IMG_8685.JPG572images/MASRobbie Trevelyan2020-03-26T11:48:39.94Zfinds-193193MAS-D100193ENGINENINETEENTH CENTURYUnidentified non-ferrous object that probably represents part of a ships engine or fixtures and fittings. It appears constructed from a copper alloy, measuring approximately 114 mm by 102 mm, being 52 mm in thickness. The open face of the item exhibits a circular central lug or axle measuring c. 38 mm in diameter, which extends c. 25 mm from the solid rear face. The open face bears a circular aperture, comprising approximately 270 degrees, which flairs out towards the outer edges of the object meeting the top left hand corner on the left side and meeting the edge on the right hand side approximately 25 mm from the upper edge. This circular aperture, with the lug at its centre, has a diameter of c. 95 mm. The interior of the object is not recessed beneath the edges of the aperture and therefore forms a a solid shape between the solid and open faces, conforming to the circumference of the aperture. The solid face, presumably forming the rear of the object, is approximately 6 mm thick. The outline of what may be a screw hole for affixing is visible 3 - 4 mm from the top edge just to right of centre on the solid face. The object has 3 closed and one open side, where the circular aperture flairs outwards. Of the closed sides two are straight, running at right angles to the opens side, with the remaining closed side opposite the open side being slightly curved. This slightly more aesthetically pleasing element may indicate that this is in fact the top edge of the object.
The intended function of the item is not immediately apparent, though clearly something is intended to either run through the object or pivot around the central lug. Though no firm identification has been established the suggested functions include a bearing case, a rail mount, a hinge pivot or a cable relay.This item was found with pepper pot (MAS-D100190).TRANSPORT3941118/183MAS2018-06-03T00:00:00ZVESSEL COMPONENTWith finder2018-06-21T20:58:32Z2020-03-26T13:10:03Z1021935111417415PAS5C5037EF001C0322625East SussexTV768950.674056230.48951592undersigned.participation.rapidity10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627CompleteNINETEENTH CENTURYMODERNDiving193_193_IMG_01.JPG465images/MASPhil Trim2020-03-26T13:10:03.103Zfinds-184184MAS-D100184UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTPOST MEDIEVALA single piece of copper alloy sheeting, measuring approximately 70 mm by 55 mm with a thickness of c. 2 mm. The item bears 4 grooves pressed into the metal along the long axis on one face, only one of which is evident on the opposite face. The item appears to be distorted from its original shape, all the edges appear intact suggesting it is otherwise complete. The function of such an item is unclear, though it was recovered in close proximity to a swivel gun (MAS-D100180) and may relate to the functioning of such a weapon in some way.This find comes from an unidentified wreck known as the Brandy Wreck, situated east of Portland Harbour in Weymouth Bay, Dorset. An investigation of the newly discovered wreck was carried out by Wessex Archaeology (2016) in conjunction with The Shipwreck Project, a local organisation who discovered the site, and at the behest of Historic England. The lack of datable evidence from secure contexts, structural elements of a vessel and other factors meant that a precise date or name of the vessel could not be determined. Broadly, the vessel is thought to date between 1600 and 1825 AD and may relate to a naval or merchant vessel, or potentially be a chance accumulation of artefacts. Vessel currently has no NRHE or HER designation numbers.
This item was found with a swivel gun (MAS-D100180), a timber (MAS-D100177) and a length of copper wire (MAS-D100183).363913MAS2018-05-22T00:00:00Z2018-06-01T08:28:33Z2020-03-26T16:15:52Z1845570174415PAS5C5037EF001C03214362DorsetSY737550.57411317-2.38265074commander.evening.twist10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627CompleteCorrodedPOST MEDIEVALx41047NINETEENTH CENTURYx41047Diving184_MAS_D100183_2.JPG487images/MASPhil Trim2020-03-26T16:15:52.417Zfinds-174174MAS-D100174CUTLERYNINETEENTH CENTURYThis record refers to the handle of a metal spoon or fork included within this group of finds. The diagnostic end of the piece is broken and therefore is uncertain whether this is a fork or spoon, and a lack of measurements precludes determining whether this is a tea or desert size in terms of spoon , or cake or main course size of fork. The fabric of the item, though slightly coroded, has a yellowish colour which may indicate gold or gold plating has been used in its manufacture. Alternatively, given the verdigris colour of the corrosion, may have been constructed in a copper alloy or have had silver plating which can also corrode to a similar colour. There may be a hallmark or makers mark stamped on the back of the object that may shed more light on where it was manufactured. The date of this item is given by the wreck from which it was recovered, which sank in 1878.All of these items were recovered from the wreck of SS Pomerania, a German ocean liner steamer built in 1873 by J. Caird & Co., in Greenock. This vessel was one of many owned by the Hamburg Amerikanische Packetfahrt Actien Gesellschaft (HAPAG); a transatlantic shipping enterprise established in Hamburg in 1847 that transported hundreds of thousands of emigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and eastern Europe to the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other destinations around the world. The ship sank in 1878, 5 miles SE of Folkestone whilst carrying 109 passengers and 111 crew en route from New York to Cherbourg and Hamburg, last from Plymouth, following a collision with Welsh barque Moel Eilian and resulting in the loss of 55 lives. NRHE and Kent HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Pomerania.
This item was found with a clock (MAS-D100173), a decorative lead object (MAS-D100146) and crockery fragments (MAS-D100138).Spoon39391878320/173MAS2018-03-26T00:00:00Z883110Kent HER Number: TR 33 SW 262018-05-02T10:10:08Z2020-03-26T16:10:28Z174172415PAS5C5037EF001C03218210KentTR232951.017114981.17805502devoting.snowstorm.sobbing10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627IncompleteCorrodedNINETEENTH CENTURYNINETEENTH CENTURYDiving174_IMG_6351.jpg741images/MASPhil Trim2020-03-26T16:10:29.018Zfinds-173173MAS-D100173CLOCKNINETEENTH CENTURYThis record refers to the clock parts recovered as part of a group of finds. The finder described the items as 6 clock parts, the square glass from the clock face and the copper clock face from a grandfather clock, which suggests these finds represent parts of two separate clocks.
Three of the clock parts, manufactured in a copper alloy, are circular and bear teeth around their circumference indicating they are part of the clockwork mechanism. Two other parts, also in copper alloy, are circular but without evidence of teeth. One has three screw holes arranged around a central circular aperture and a ridge running around its circumference. The verdigris corrosion on this item only affects one half of the object, suggesting that it has been partially protected whilst on the seabed. The remaining item is considerably more corroded, though it still appears to be made from a copper alloy. It comprises a hollow circle with a band dividing the central aperture in equal halves, opposite the end of this band are two circular fixing points with screw holes attached to the outside central circular element. The central band has a square hole in its centre, which is unlikely to be much more than 5 mm across. There is an additional element that obscures the upper half of the central circular element which cannot be accurately described from the object.
The sixth clock part described by the finder is a flat copper alloy plate with a minimum of 18 holes drilled into it in addition to two square, one rectangular and one open rectangular aperture/s. At the top of the item is what appears to be a latch or clip. This object appears to be part of the mounting for the mechanism, and several of the drilled holes bear the shadows of where bolts and screws would have been attached. Most notably though is the inscription S Thomas, Thomaston C, US which can be observed. This refers to the manufacturer of the time piece, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, details of which are described in the next section.
A square piece of glass is described by the finder as being the clock face associated with the clock parts described above. Consultation online with examples of clocks manufactured by S Thomas support this use for the glass, as some of their models do have square faces.
The final object relating to clocks is a large oval ring of copper alloy which is described by the finder as the clock face from a grandfather clock. Its size, in comparison to the glass face, would certainly suggest it is from a different larger time piece. To the bottom right of the photograph it is possible to observe a hinge on the outside of the ring, whilst diametrically opposite a possible catch can be seen. These features suggest an opening element, presumably holding an oval glass clock face, may have attached to the recovered item. No other diagnostic features are immediately apparent from the photo provided.All of these items were recovered from the wreck of SS Pomerania, a German ocean liner steamer built in 1873 by J. Caird & Co., in Greenock. This vessel was one of many owned by the Hamburg Amerikanische Packetfahrt Actien Gesellschaft (HAPAG); a transatlantic shipping enterprise established in Hamburg in 1847 that transported hundreds of thousands of emigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and eastern Europe to the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other destinations around the world. The ship sank in 1878, 5 miles SE of Folkestone whilst carrying 109 passengers and 111 crew en route from New York to Cherbourg and Hamburg, last from Plymouth, following a collision with Welsh barque Moel Eilian and resulting in the loss of 55 lives. NRHE and Kent HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Pomerania.
Seth Thomas Clock Company - One of the clock pieces identified from this find bears the inscription S Thomas, Thomaston C, US. Seth Thomas (1785-1859) was a clock maker from Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, USA. He began making clocks at his site in 1814 and established the company in 1853, which was passed to his sons and continued as a family business into the 20th century. In 1931 the company became a subsidiary of the General Time Instruments Corporation and eventually passed from family control, General Time announced its closure in 2001. Shortly after the death of the company's founder in 1865, the town of Plymouth Hollow was renamed Thomaston in his honour. This then firmly dates the manufacture of this clock to between 1865 and 1878 when the Pomerania sank. (http://www.nationalclockrepair.com/Seth_Thomas_Clock_History.php accessed January 2020).
These items were found with a spoon/fork handle (MAS-D100174), a decorative lead object (MAS-D100146) and crockery fragments ( MAS-D100138).S THOMAS/THOMASTON C/USMEASUREMENT393923186518781320/173MAS2018-03-26T00:00:00ZAn instrument used to measure the passing of time.883110Kent HER Number: TR 33 SW 26With finder2018-05-02T10:10:08Z2020-04-09T12:32:54Z173172315PAS5C5037EF001C03218210KentTR232951.017114981.17805502devoting.snowstorm.sobbing10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627IncompletePoorNINETEENTH CENTURYMiddleLateNINETEENTH CENTURYDiving173_IMG_6351.jpg434images/MASPhil Trim2020-04-09T11:32:54.955Zfinds-128128MAS-D100128HINGENINETEENTH CENTURYThis record refers to the metal hinge and attached timber shown in the top left corner of image one, the other finds are dealt with under separate records.
The object is approximately 305 mm in overall length and 204 mm in overall width. For the hinge element of the object only one leaf can be observed from the photo, which measures approximately 64 mm by 127 mm. Given the leaves are likely to be identical in size, this would suggest the overall width is approximately 127 mm making a regular square when fully opened. The metal of the hinge is in generally good condition, with some blue/green discolouration suggestive of a copper alloy such as brass. The hinge is of a common type known as a butt hinge, with five interlocking knuckles secured through the centre by a pin or pen. The visible leaf bears five holes for affixing the hinge, and it is likely the obscured side bears a similar number. The number of fixing holes suggests a heavy duty use for the hinge, such as a door, rather than use in lighter items such as furniture.
The wooden elements of the hinge are highly degraded and encrusted with barnacles, its function is therefore undiscernible. There does appear to be an element of beading or a baton in wood, immediately attached to the hinge leaf. Protruding from beneath the beading and running away from the hinge is a section of wood with apparently parallel edges, approximately 89 mm wide, that although heavily damaged may represent a narrow plank. This suggests that the moving element of the object, such as a door or hatch, was attached to the obscured leaf, with the other attached to the stationary element such as a door frame.
Butt hinges were manufactured from around 1850 and are one of the most common forms of hinge in use today.These items were found with two bowls (MAS-D100127), two bottles (MAS-D100129), one mug (MAS-D100130), and one copper lid (MAS-D100150).Fixing39411312/173MAS2017-09-30T00:00:00ZWith finder2017-10-09T15:46:29Z2020-04-22T18:03:01Z128204305171428215PAS5C5037EF001C03PAS5989C577001EA72MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627Wood11988IncompleteNINETEENTH CENTURYMODERNDivingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of Wreck128_allmaterial.JPG754images/MASPT2020-04-22T17:03:01.758Zfinds-124124MAS-O100124BRASSPOST MEDIEVALOne ornate brass piece. The piece has an aperture in the middle, in the centre of a circular disc which is itself recessed slightly into the surface. The disc extends laterally into two leaf-shaped limbs, which are decoratively styled and form curved arrows at their tips. At the end of each limb there is a circular hole, which was likely used to fasten the brass piece to its host object. These holes are countersunk, presumably to accommodate the heads of screws. The piece is approximately 90 mm in length, with a width of 40 mm and thickness of 2 mm. The diameter of the two larger holes on the limbs is 5mm approximately, and the diameter of the central hole is around 2-3 mm, with the central disc of the piece having a diameter of 4 mm.
Whilst by no means certain, this object appears to be a fitting for an item of furniture. The recess around the central hole appears to be designed to accommodate the base of a circular or spherical/hemispherical object, suggestive of a handle or knob, while the two other holes are for securing the brass plate to the item of furniture. This, therefore, may be a bracket for a drawer or door handle on an item of furniture.3641320/173MAS2017-09-08T00:00:00Z2017-09-11T19:19:58Z2020-03-27T15:02:05Z12424090174115PAS5C5037EF001C032SW822050.04012553-5.04588056loaning.rounds.drifters6MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627CastCompletePOST MEDIEVALx41047MODERNx41047Diving124_IMG_01.jpg324images/MASPhil Trim2020-03-27T15:02:05.708Zfinds-115115MAS-D100115CARTRIDGENINETEENTH CENTURYImages of this find were sent to Trevor Parker of the Ordnance Society. He confirmed that these three shell cases belong to a six-pounder Hotchkiss gun. This particular type of gun was introduced in 1884 for use against torpedo boats. They were used during First World War on the Arethusa and early 'C' class cruisers and a few submarines as well as on Monitors M.15 through M.33. Originally French in origin, they were introduced to Britain in 1886 (Tucker 2013). Many were subsequently used as sub-calibre and saluting guns which meant that they were still available in 1939 (Naval Weapons, Naval Technology and Naval reunions webpage, accessed September 2017).
Although these cartridges are empty, there is a good chance that their primers are live.The evidence for this is that they all have their primer protectors in place.These are three-legged covers that clip over the base and have a domed area in the middle that sits over the primer in the middle of the case bottom, to prevent accidental striking of the primer before it's loaded (War Office 2003). The edges of these clips are visible on all three cases and would have been removed before firing. This raises the question of where the shells have gone if they were not fired. The shells would have been held firmly in place therefore it has been suggested that these shell cases are of some age, dating back to the early 1900s, shortly after this type of gun appeared and that the actual shells have rusted away completely.These items were recovered from the wreck of SS Unity, a British transport steamship built in 1902 by Murdoch & Murray, Glasgow. On 2 May 1918, whilst on a voyage from Newhaven to Calais with a cargo of ordnance, SS Unity was sunk by the German submarine UB57, with the loss of 12 lives.
NRHE and Kent HER reference numbers cited in this record refer to the wreck of SS Unity.
The location of SS Unity was taken from the British National Grid co-ordinate from the National Record of the Historic Environment.Armour and weapons39411236/173MAS2017-08-26T00:00:00ZAmmunition901741Kent HER Number: TR 21 NE 1With finder2017-09-08T08:39:56Z2017-10-05T11:37:37Z11534037284515PAS5989C577001EA7PAS59C90C510011A3218210KentTR261750.908207411.21330846cramped.inflatables.couriers10MAS MASMASCopper alloy10627CompleteEncrustedNINETEENTH CENTURYMODERNDivingSubmitted as wreck to the Receiver of WreckIMG_2984.JPG307images/MASLR2018-03-19T13:04:35.56Zfinds-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/MASMF2017-11-06T18:25:06.061Z