Bullet cases, pieces of mortar, military uniform buttons and flare caps – possibly used during a Zeppelin attack- have been uncovered in the Fens as part of a Great War project.
West Norfolk and Kings Lynn Archaeological Society helped with the discovery as part of an initiative at Tydd St Mary.
The society is working on ‘Zeppelins over Lynn and the Royal Flying Corps Home Defence’ and members combined with the 42F Kings Lynn Air Training Corps and Norfolk Metal Detector Group for a survey of the Great War landing ground at Tydd St Mary.
Clive Bond, project director, said: “This landing ground opened in the summer of 1916, where it continued in use until May 1919 when it returned to farm land.
“Volunteers and cadets surveyed the landing ground through the systematic practice of field walking and metal detection, measured on 12 x 20 x 20 meter squares.
“The aim was to see if any evidence of the WWI landing ground could be located.”
He said the day was a success; among the finds were pieces of mortar, brick frags, bullet cases, flare caps and several buttons from military uniforms “all indicative of this frontline base”.
Mr Bond said the project aims to investigate the effects of war on the local community in West Norfolk and South Holland, Lincolnshire and record these for future generations.
Norfolk Archaeological Society will be hosting a ‘Finds Processing Day’ at Trues Yard Museum on Saturday October 4 where finds from Tydd St Mary will be available to see and handle.
For more information please contact: clivejbond@aol.com
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