The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 11/07/004, 11/06/002, 11/07/003, 11/06/005 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: No.11 Adam Park Report No: Report No.12 Artifact Type: Personal Kit Production Date: 2012-05-09 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

Four eyelets were discovered in close proximity in T6 and T7 in Area 1 at No.11 Adam Park. It was speculated that these items had come from the same piece of equipment. Eyelets are commonly found on various parts of type 37 webbing as well as service issue groundsheets and ponchos.

Historic Context:

The theory about the possible burial of bodies in the front garden of 11 Adam Park is based upon a number of reports written by POWs housed on the estate which state that corpses found during the initial clearup of the estate were laid to rest in various peaceful spots in the gardens of various properties. No.11 was later discovered to be the site of the POW chapel however the POW cemetery is at the front of No18 Adam Park. The process of interring bodies involved the retrieval of the corpse and its transportation to the proposed grave site. One method of doing this was to use the groundsheets and gas capes of the individual as a shroud and makeshift stretcher. The body wrapped in the groundsheet was then lowered into the ground. The transfer of bodies in this manner may also leave a tell tale trace of metallic finds on the surface especially if the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition. It is feasible that personal items such as cap badges, wedding rings, uniform buttons and eyelets may have fallen to the floor during the burial process. Likewise it was not uncommon for grave markers to be adorned with personal items such as regimental badges as means of identifying and honouring the occupant. It is therefore feasible that the collection of eyelets, dropped rounds, badge and ring found in the vicinity may have been lost during this process