The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 02/05/008 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: No.2 Adam Park Report No: Report No.6 Artifact Type: Shell Fragment Production Date: 0012-09-11 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 80mm dia Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

The fragment appears to have been a part of a No.150 Fuze as used on 3-in Mortars leading up to and in the early stages of WWII until brass became scarce. The piece is inscribed with the text ' FD Mk VI Z Pb SPECIAL'. However the exact type of round is unknown.

Historic Context:

The largest piece of shell fragment to be found at No.2 Adam Park was discovered in the rear of the trench line and was instantly recognisable for what it was. The wording along the rim identified it as an allied shell. This reflects well with accounts by various diarists stating that on occasions the Cambridgeshire positions were hit by their own artillery. This was particularly so on the 15th February when word reached command that Adam Park had been evacuated when in fact the Cambridgeshires were still holding on. Alternatively it was not unknown for the 3” mortar crews at Adam Park to set their weapons at such a high angle that the round would explode on the trees above them showering them with red hot fragments.