Reedham Marshes, Norfolk
21 February 1999

In February 1944, two American 'Flying Fortresses' crashed into each other only a few miles from their home base, on their way back from a bombing raid over Germany. One of the aircraft tumbled into in a marsh at Reedham in Norfolk – killing all 10 of the crew – and gradually became buried in the peat. The incident was forgotten until a group of aviation enthusiasts attempted to raise the 30-ton plane in the 1970s. Three decades later, their leader contacted Time Team who, on their arrival, were faced with excavation techniques that were like nothing they had experienced before.

Teaser
Hundreds of these items were found during the excavation of the World War II bomber from Reedham Marshes in Norfolk. They are also frequently casually picked up by passers-by and become knick-knacks on mantelshelves. What are they and is this a good idea? (Photo: Mick Aston)

Answer
These are bullets from the machine guns of the B-17 'Flying Fortress' that crashed in Reedham Marshes. According to the RAF bomb disposal squad – and contrary to popular opinion – most of this ammunition is 'live' and still capable of injuring (or worse) anyone handling it. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said that the police are, unfortunately, quite familiar with horrendous accidents that have occurred when war-time ammunition, having become corroded, exploded without warning. So if you have any 'antique' bullets such as these, or come across them in or on the ground, do not touch them and contact the police immediately.

What might have happened? Animated reconstruction by Steve Breeze.

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Further reading

The B-17 Flying Fortress Story: Design, production, history by Roger. A Freeman and David R Osbourne (Arms & Armour Press, 1998) hardback £35
Operational histories of the 12,731 B-17s that flew in World War II, including the aircraft that crashed at Reedham. The evolution, testing, and performance of the aeroplane are also covered.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress by Martin W Bowman (Crowood Press, 1998) hardback £25
A detailed examination of the design, development and operational career of the Flying Fortress, from its earliest beginnings through its seven major variants.

Claims to Fame: The B-17 Flying Fortress by Steve Birdsall and Roger. A Freeman (Arms & Armour Press) 1997, paperback £10.99
The B-17 Flying Fortress was the most successful bomber in World War II and was held in great affection by its crews. Its claims to fame include the most missions flown, the shortest operational life, famous crew members, and the most damaged aircraft.

Final Flights: Dramatic wartime incidents revealed by aviation archaeology by Ian McLachlan (Patrick Stephens Ltd, 1989) hardback £14.95
An account of the salvage of various aircraft crash sites in England by aircraft enthusiasts, as well as the stories behind the crashes. Although narrative sometimes triumphs over fact, everything is based on true stories that no fiction can match.

Twentieth-Century Defences in Britain: An introductory guide (Council for British Archaeology Practical Handbook in Archaeology 12)
The CBA's Defence of Britain project aims to record as many as possible of 20th-century military sites and structures. This is an illustrated handbook providing an introduction to the recognition and interpretation of Britain's wartime archaeology.
 
Those fascinated by historical aviation may be interested in joining the Airfield Research Group. Contact: John Nichols, 220 Woodland Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1DA.

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