paul connor

Well, I must say I am impressed If he managed to bury tanks deeper than the GPR scan depth (>30m). Furthermore, what did he do with the spoil; or were they shaking that out their trouser legs on the bypass each day so nobody found out?

No vehicle is struck off census without documentation.

Without going off topic, the initial survey was for the whole site, not just the barracks. So, yes, your concrete pads were included in the whole survey plan to gain a wider understanding of the site history and phasing for future development. I am not sure what the "no flint axes there" comment suggests, other than a lack of understanding for archaeological practices - it isn't just blind excavation and searching for prehistorical artefacts by digging random holes.

I have just read through this somewhat drawn out thread, and thought I would interject. Some of you are aware I have worked as a commercial archaeologist for many years, with a particular interest in the Wartime period. This has provided me with the opportunity to project manage and also attend as an archaeological specialist, many WW2 sites, including airfields, barracks and defence localities, both in the UK and EU. My understanding of the thread is we are trying to locate 300+ buried armoured vehicles under a concrete pad section at a decommissioned airfield, at Waterbeach Barracks. The evidence for which is oral testimony and the mystery of the original poster being denied access to TNA (The National Archives) at Kew. Firstly, any burial of decommissioned armour would be well documented, especially at an airfield. There would be primary source evidence, although it is not as easy as heading to TNA and asking for ‘buried tanks at Waterbeach’; although I am very confident that if this was a true event it will have archive files. I shall not even elaborate on the unlikely necessity to bury valuable assets, that is quite obvious. Now I shall add my quick personal investigation, which might add light to this subject. I telephoned an old colleague who is a senior archaeologist at Oxford Archaeology that was working on the Waterbeach Barracks project and asked a few questions. I asked for the results of MAG/RES/GPR survey of the area and unfortunately, they present no evidence for any buried, large, vehicle-like data at all. They do however have an abundance of Bronze Age and Roman archaeology, and other interesting periods, including WW2, just no tanks I am afraid. So, not sure where you go from there? Archaeological evidence suggests otherwise. Regards Paul

Hello Clive, I hope you are well. Thank you for the reply, and now I know I am seeking a vehicle variant that likely does not exist. I hope we do not get too cold a winter, but things have been much milder here for a few years, which has its pros/cons. I am just pondering the Wolf HD XS options in LHD, for a future purchase. Regards Paul

Hello all, I hope everyone is well. I am sure somebody here can answer my question with ease; I would not ask if I could not find the information online before hand. Land Rover HS XD Wolf, 90, Winterised/wader - was the vehicle ever issued as a left hand drive (LHD) vehicle? I would be interested to buy one, but cannot find evidence of LHD ever being made, but I could be wrong. Thanks in advance and greetings from drizzly Germany Regards Paul

I would just head to the National Archives at Kew. Most places are unknown to the locality, subject to oral histories which become deep routed within a community based on subjective interpretations. This is the same with local level museums and local records offices, they contain limited data. If an area was used, at any stage, the war diaries, or in the case of WW2, cabinet minutes, or WD orders will exist. There are very few real mysteries of WW2 in regards to UK maneuvers, it is just the path of least resistance is localised research, not archival, which is laborious and takes time.

I might just recall 30BK43 - I still regret selling it, but alas, her in Germany where I now live I cannot own it without cutting most of the fun parts off. Shame. If you want more pics, Nic, drop me a message here. I have quite a lot over the 8 years I owned it. Regards, Paul

Thanks, Gordon. I have left it soak overnight, let's hope it does the trick! Hope you're well and keeping safe in these turbulent times. Thanks Paul

I have a rare wade proof distributor where the HT contacts deep in the bakolite are green and horrible. What can i pour and leave in there that will not affect anything, yet clean the copper without aggitation? As there is no way to actually clean then mechanically. any ideas?

Thanks for the replies. I have no resolved the issue. Vintage power wagons, USA have a Chrysler engine manual. So will be ordering one. Thanks again

Does anyone happen to have the tolerance and assembly specifications for the T236 Dodge/Chrysler Canadian engine? I can only find a simple assembly manual, and not the full 'power' manual with bore/crank tolerances. I have for T214 and T112, this seems illusive as was Canadian. It must exist as these units (¾ APT/WP) went to Norway after the war. Thanks Paul

I can only help with cleaning canvas part of your question. In the past I have placed it on the ground, used detergent and a pressure washer (not too close) and given it a good going over. Providing the canvas isn't rotten this works a treat. Then use Fabsil or, as many others and myself have in the past, brick sealant! Sounds crazy but dries clean and waterproof. Hope that's of some help.

Hi everyone, I was wondering if some people could offer some advice? I am pondering the tentative steps into WW2 Armour and wanted some pointers on what to look out for in regards to purchasing a Daimler Dingo. I have often admired this little wheeled vehicle and think it would fit the bill for me. As it can be transported with a trailer and wouldn't take up too much space in the workshop. What are they like to own, drive and service? Are the parts a major issue, or are there a few dealers with bits in abundance? Any tips would be appreciated, also any pointers as to who may have one, ideally for restoration available early next year would be brilliant. Thanks in advance Paul

I have also read on several websites and associated news that the Pretender will also be made a facility in Slovakia as well. Just another unnecessary SUV.

Richard has seen my mistake there! And corrected me. Oopps

It is on it's way to a French museum so it would seem. As it was a target for training for Dunkirk (not D-Day) it is being incorporated into a display of that period.

I guess British. Morris Quad and limber will be mine one day. Or a Humber Pig again. But the standoff armour with a turret. 9 tonnes of unnecessary and poor handling, but if you have owned one you'll know why.

Found these buried in my garden in West Germany. I'm not sure what they are but thought I would put them on here before they go on ebay. They look quite old, really not my style, but someone might like them. They're too flashy for me. Appears to be odd stone inlays with what I presume is gold-look plastic. Slots together okay after I pressure washed it. 5 large panels all in all. Furniture is a separate sale on Ebay. Offers. Paul

The condition of any items left underground in a tunnel for 75+ years would make identification of most things difficult. I'd wager that such items as the amber room exist, but in a private collection somewhere. Having worked in archaeology a good while, the condition of items found in tunnels would be awful. But, it is exciting and I think we all like the 'unknown' aspect of hidden treasures and booby traps! I certainly do. It has fuelled my battlefield archaeology research and fieldwork for many a year. Alas I have only encountered unexploded ordnance and a few artefacts; but if I find the amber room I'll post an update ha

http://www.milweb.net/webvert/a4154/96770 Nice example, lots if new parts. Make me an offer. Located in Germany 07913190788 UK number Or sussexpillbox@gmail.com Thanks Paul

Having attended Militracks and Ciney this yest, it's clear how good shows actually can be. WP has the potential but it feels as if "that'll do" attitude prevails as they know it will bring in the bucks. The ideas above are great. Encourage with incentives armour collections to come, maybe museums and well. Green only areas. Choreographed battles that make sense. Strict camping display policy. More stalls, less fun fair, expand! Some great ideas. Maybe a HMVF show?

If it isn't repaired it will probably stay with me and be painted and used to store wine!

Funny enough, you guess correct! Exactly why I would like to save it if I can. Let's hope local German engineering is up to the task! As I don't think posting it to the UK is viable, it would be a few stamps at least. So fingers crossed HMVF for the No.1 block saving extravaganza. Do I start a crowd funding page and patrion thing, isn't that what the kids do nowadays?

I should have taken pictures.. they were adamant the series 3 was kitted with bowman. Well, bowman stickers. The fuel lockers were a lovely addition being a sheet of steel riveted on. It was a beautiful machine. A good friend of mine who contributes on here a lot once said: The more aerials a vehicle has the less chance there is it has a radio. Always loved that quote! I hope he remembers saying it too. Ha *added: I have never understood what's wrong with having a GS Land Rover?