The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 11/12/006 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: No11 Adam park Report No: Report No.12 Artifact Type: Ammunition Production Date: 2012-05-09 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 30mm dia Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

This cartridge measured a whopping 30mm in base diameter and was initially thought to be an aircraft machine gun shell scattered during a strafing run. However the nearest equivalent piece was found to be a round from the Webley & Scott No.1 MkIII Flare pistol.

Historic Context:

Webley & Scott produced a number of single-shot, break open signal flare gun devices used by Commonwealth Military Forces during the First and Second World Wars. Perhaps the most prolific of these was the No.1 MkIII, produced in 1918 at the company's Birmingham facility. The No.1 Mk III produced in the 1940’s had a squared grips made out of black bakelite and carry a lanyard ring on the butt. This flare gun saw action in many theatres throughout the war and was intended to throw light over the fighting zone across a 1 km2 area. It must be remembered that much of the manoeuvring and fighting at Adam Park took place at night and in complete darkness. Sgt Pony Moore remembers the night patrols being lit only by the glow of burning buildings in their sector. Undoubtedly as the Japanese incursions into the estate were discovered flares from these weapons were sent up to help spot the intruders.