The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: Report 7 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: 17 Adam Park Report No: Report No.7 Artifact Type: Military Equipment Production Date: 2010-08-12 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 560mm dia Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

The most noticeable artifact found on site was a wheel hub, partially exposed on the surface. As the item would probably ‘camouflage’ the detection of other artifacts in the vicinity, the area around the hub was excavated by hand and a number of bullets and buckles were found in close proximity. The excavation also revealed the dimensions of the hub which were recorded and sketches made to aid identification. But as it was not certain whether the hub was contemporary with the war it was thought best to cover the item and return later should it be found to be of importance.

Historic Context:

It was clear that the hub was ‘old’ – its solid construction and style suggested mid 20th Century but linking it to a military vehicle proved a challenge. The problem was where to start looking, with no make or model marks on the item the best chance was look at vehicles that may have been used by the Cambridgeshires. The two most well documented candidates that were known to be in the area of 17 Adam Park were the battalion’s K2Y ambulances and Universal Carriers. However close scrutiny of contemporary photographs and plans failed to provide a perfect match for the hub. Further research into other contemporary vehicles revealed that the most likely contender for a match is the wheel hub off a 1940’s Ford or Dodge vehicle. Similar vehicles were noted to be parked outside No. 17 Adam Park by Sgt Baynes at the time of the breakdown in the cease fire. These ambulances were set alight. It is possible the hub is from the remains of one of those ambulances