The Mystery of the Chilbolton Luftwaffe Plate
Sometimes items are found on an old airfield, which presents a bit of a mystery. On 17 March 2013, one such artefact was found at the former RAF Chilbolton. Near Stonefield Park, there is a small patch of trees which was once part of the domestic site. There is no trace of the former buildings here, but during the visit, a small piece of plate was found lying on the surface.
Initially, when I looked at the plate, I thought it had an American eagle stamped upon it. However, on closer examination, the bird was holding a swastika. So it was established that the plate was of Luftwaffe in origin. There was a date of 1942 visible along with a maker's name of Villeroy and Boch Mettlach.
So the mystery is how it got to an airfield in Hampshire? I suspect it was brought back by a member of USAAF personnel and then discarded or lost.
I would be interested to hear other theories via the contact page.
Initially, when I looked at the plate, I thought it had an American eagle stamped upon it. However, on closer examination, the bird was holding a swastika. So it was established that the plate was of Luftwaffe in origin. There was a date of 1942 visible along with a maker's name of Villeroy and Boch Mettlach.
So the mystery is how it got to an airfield in Hampshire? I suspect it was brought back by a member of USAAF personnel and then discarded or lost.
I would be interested to hear other theories via the contact page.
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