The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 17/02/004 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: 17 Adam Park Report No: Report No.7 Artifact Type: Personal Kit Production Date: 2010-08-12 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: Not taken Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

A small spade was unearthed in T2 at No.17 with a section of the wooden handle still in place. It was recovered at a depth of 20 cm and was initially thought to have been a child’s as it is only 14.5cms across the blade. However as it was found in the vicinity of the water bottle it was reasoned that perhaps this was after all a military item and issued as part of the soldier’s equipment.

Historic Context:

This item bares some similarity with the British army entrenching tool issued at the beginning of the war. The Linneman Tool or Pattern 39 was a short-handled spade which was very sturdy, but it could not function as either a pick-axe, or mattock which became a distinct drawback in all but light soils. These short spades had a canvas cover over the blade with buckle attachments to allow them to be hung from the P37 webbing and as can be imagined they were found to be cumbersome and awkward to carry when in combat with many being discarded on the battlefield. Contemporary photographs show the tool being worn on both hips. When on the right, it was underneath the water bottle carrier both components attached to the same brace ends. However it must be noted that this spade has a distinctive pointed tip unlike the Type 39’s squared off tip.