2026-10-15T00:43:59+01:00https://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/results6120finds-172172MAS-F100172AIRCRAFT COMPONENTMODERNRolls Royce Merlin 45 gear unit, serial number GU 69 677, with a truncated, heavily damaged and corroded, three bladed propeller. All three propeller blades have survived despite heavy corrosion, though the end of one is missing. The wiring in the propeller cam shaft is visible since the outer dome casing has partially disintegrated. The Merlin 45 engine was used in the Mk. V Supermarine Spitfire fighters, in Reconnaissance Spitfires (PR Mk. IG & P MK. IV), and early versions of the naval version the Supermarine Seafire Mk. IB and Mk. IIC). The Merlin 45 saw active service from early 1941 as squadrons were equipped with the new Mk. V Spitfires. Consultation with Boscombe Down Aviation Collection has suggested that this aircraft likely landed on the water, rather than crashed directly, as the damage to the propellor blades is minimal. Given that the nose of an aircraft is most likely where the initial impact of a crash would occur this would appear a more than probable conclusion. Additionally, following cleaning and initial preservation steps, it was noted that there are two circular scollops in the edge of one of the propellor blades (see image 13 of 13). Boscombe Down Aviation Collection suggest that these are of a diametre closely matching that of cannon shells that may have been fired at the Spitfire from a German aircraft such as a Messerschmitt BF 109E. This evidence suggests that the aircraft, to which this Gear unit belonged, was in combat shortly before its loss. The damaged sustained likely caused the engine to fail, causing the pilot to belly land the aircraft on the sea. It is to be hoped that he successfully exited the aircraft and was rescued following these events. Efforts to identify the exact aircraft from which this gear unit originated are being contiued by Boscombe Down AC.The Mk. V Spitfires were initially developed in late 1940 as a high altitude interceptor and were essentially remodelled Mk I & Mk II spitfires with a new engine, later Mk V's were purpose built airframes. The PR Mk. IG (Armed) & P MK. IV (Unarmed) Spitfires were variants created to fulfil the role of photo- reconnaissance of enemy held territory. On some variants the planes had all their armament removed and often replaced with additional fuel tanks to increase their operational range. Their speed, small size and high operational ceiling allowed them to either remain undetected or avoid enemy aircraft. This role had previously been performed by light bombers, such as the Bristol Blenheim, or purpose built reconnaissance aircraft, such as the Westland Lysander. They are both relatively slow aircraft and the Lysander had no armament what so ever, as a result early war losses were high and an alternative solution was sought. The Seafire was a naval version of the Spitfire, adapted for use on aircraft carriers, the first batch of which came into service in late 1941. The earlier variants being used for training to acquaint Fleet Air Arm pilots with the Spitfire air frame and using it on aircraft carriers. vehicle41411059/183MAS2018-04-27T00:00:00Zaircraft engineWith Boscombe Down Aviation Collection2018-04-27T09:07:05Z2020-03-27T15:30:26Z172124512414PAS5C5037EF001C032MAS MASMASSteel11786OtherIncompleteCorrodedMODERNMODERNFishing172_i0000010.jpg418images/MASPT2024-10-09T14:16:53.855Zfinds-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/MAS2024-10-09T14:16:38.008Zfinds-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/MASABB2024-10-09T14:16:37.539Zfinds-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/MASABB2024-10-09T14:16:37.132Zfinds-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/MASABB2024-10-09T14:16:36.195Zfinds-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/MAS2024-10-09T14:16:35.969Z