Hi all
Thought I'd join up and answer some of the questions.
The WW2 Relic Retrieval and Preservation Group was formed to recover and protect the relics of world war two, before they are lost forever. I have to say I did laugh myself reading comments about 'why would you want to dig up stuff like this when you can buy it'. The reason we get excited is that, without us, it would be lost forever. All relics are carefully catalogued and their locations noted. The official archaeological society for the places we dig relics from are notified and all finds recorded.
Holding a piece of history in your hand that you have just recovered from the ground is a feeling all to itself. Sure you can go and buy a lot of this stuff, but if you do you have no idea where it came from or how many people have owned it. Knowing that the relic you recover was last touched by the person who used it is a whole different kettle of fish. This is especially true on old battlefields and airbases which we also regularly dig. It's knowing all this that attracts people like me to the 'hobby'.
As for getting excited about something being in 'remarkable condition'...........yes it was a Bren mag that you can buy for next to nothing. Yes, one side was affected by surface rust. Just remember, that mag has been in the ground for more than 65 years, THAT is why it is remarkable.
As a group we are committed to saving our joint histories through this work. We regularly donate items to national museums and exhibit at a number of big military shows across Europe. Without us this history would be lost forever.
I shall post the results of our next visit to the site shortly.
Cheers
RRPG
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