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H. E. Services was once again called into action to assist with another historically significant dig by our friends at Research Resource Archaeology. Colin and Sean Welch, the experts behind the dig, got in touch with our team and, in response, we offered the magnificent Komatsu PC138 to do the heavy lifting. This offer was graciously accepted by our archaeological friends.
As stated already, this is not the first time that we have got involved on digs with the team from Research Resource Archeology. In fact, we have assisted on a number of projects to unearth both V1 and V2 rocket fragments. This present dig was for another V2 rocket. However, each project gives us some new information that sheds new light on history.
Past Projects With the Komatsu PC138
The first collaboration between H. E. Services and Research Resource Archaeology came at Challock in August 2021. This dig was a little different as it was the excavation of a WW2 plane. Although eyewitnesses stated that the plane was a Spitfire, the dig discovered a Hurricane instead. It was also discovered that this plane had been previously dug up and reburied.
The V1 digs were quite special as, according to archeologist Sean Welch, we don’t have a comprehensive record of where all the V1 flying bombs (also known as doodlebugs) landed. Our V1 encounters have taken place in Challock and in Detling. We were able to ascertain that both of these munitions were launched in 1944.
V2 rockets were meticulously recorded and, therefore, we are able to say where every one of them was launched from. Even more than this, though, we are able to say the date and time of each launch. Our V2 work has taken place in Yalding, St Mary’s Platt and on the Island of Hoo. Each dig is different and each adds a new piece to the puzzle of the past.
What Actually is a V2 Rocket
Even years before the Second World War began, scientists in the Nazi’s Third Reich were working on rockets in absolute secret. Werner Von Braun, later better known as the brains behind NASA’s space program and race to the moon, carried out thousands of experimental launches into different ground types to explore the flying ability and impact effects of the weapons. The results were recorded and would come in useful with the modern digs.
The V weapons were vengeance weapons launched by the Germans after the Allies were successful on D-Day in June 1944. First came the V1 and then the fearsome V2. The V2 was bigger and faster than the V1 and it packed much more explosive material. When launched, the V2 would reach space before burning off all its fuel and heading back down to earth at supersonic speeds. The result was a catastrophic explosion on the ground.
Westerham Project – The First H. E. Services Visit
Two of the H. E. Services team visited the site of the current dig with no idea of what they were going to see. After meeting the considerable number of people on the site, Colin and Sean Welch briefed our visiting team. Grateful for the use of the Komatsu PC138, the Welch brothers gave an overview of the dig so far and what they had found.
Sean Welch in particular is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to unearthing and identifying V2 debris. What looks to the unlearned eye like small pieces of metal can be placed precisely on the original V2. Amongst the finds were pieces from the steering and navigation section as well as parts of the combustion chamber. Seeing physical history explained in front of your eyes is really quite special.
Westerham Project – Day Two at the V2 Rocket Dig
After visiting on the first day, our team were expecting to get updates via email and weren’t expecting a phone call to say that a historically significant find had been made. Back to the dig site our intrepid team went. There was more to learn.
Early on a Thursday morning our team arrived back on site. Greeting Colin and Sean, we were first treated to an aerial view of the site with the help of a drone piloted by Colin. This unique perspective allowed us to see the extent of the dig and allowed Sean to explain more clearly the exciting discovery they had made.
Previous V2 digs have always been in ground that was mainly clay and chalk based. This meant that the rocket would penetrate the surface by 4.5 to 5 metres. However, the Westerham site proved to be somewhat different.
New Findings in Westerham
As previously stated, all previous digs have been in clay and chalk soil. This has always given similar results in the positioning of the shrapnel from the explosion. However, Westerham didn’t conform to what had gone before. With a very sandy composition, the soil at this site would have a much different effect.
This type of soil had been recorded by Werner Von Braun’s team in the test firings in the 1930’s. The current dig was able to confirm those early findings. Seemingly counterintuitive, the sand actually absorbed the impact much better than the more solid clay did. The V2 was only able to penetrate 2.5 to 3.5 metres into the ground before releasing a much more devastating explosion.
Interestingly, the shrapnel was also not where the team expected to find it originally. Instead of just going forward and to one side, a lot of shrapnel ended up going backwards. This again confirmed what the Nazis recorded almost a century ago.
Bringing the Past to Life
History is alive and it lives all around us. Experiencing the magic happening in front of your eyes is a wonderful experience. Having true experts such as Sean and Collin there is definitely the icing on top of the cake. Their passion is infectious, and their explanations and stories are captivating.
A Journey Still Unfolding
There is still much to learn and unearth. However, what we have already seen has added many chapters to this story of the past. Being able to see the confirmation of a historical theory in real time was pretty amazing. All of this, of course, made possible by the services of the Komatsu PC138 from H. E. Services.
Partner with H. E. Services for Your Project Needs
If you require reliable plant machinery for your next project, H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd is here to help. With top-tier equipment like the Komatsu PC138 and a reputation for excellence, we provide the tools and expertise to get the job done. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your project.
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All information correct as of: 4th November 2024
