This is a very nice find, a British RAF aerial bomb nose or tail fuse fitting, designed for use with the No. 42 fuse. The piece is complete and in solid condition, with much of its original paint still visible. It also features clearly defined maker markings, which remain legible despite some darkening caused by long-term burial.
The fitting has been thoroughly cleaned, revealing its original colouration, although the surface is now slightly darkened. There is some light damage and pitting to the metal, but overall, it remains in very good, stable condition, making it perfect for display or addition to any WWII collection.
This artefact was recovered from the former RAF Thorpe Abbotts airfield, near Diss in Norfolk. The airfield was used by the RAF in 1942, before being handed over in June 1943 to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). It became the base for the famous 100th Bomb Group, which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses and earned the nickname “The Bloody Hundredth” due to the heavy casualties it suffered in combat missions over Europe.
The item comes complete with an A5 laminated information card, featuring photos and historical background.
Historical Background - RAF Thorpe Abbotts:
In 1943, RAF Thorpe Abbotts became the operational base for the USAAF’s 100th Bomb Group, flying B-17 bombers in daylight missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Their devastating losses earned them a reputation as one of the most heavily hit groups in the Eighth Air Force.
Following the end of the war, the airfield was returned to RAF control on 27 June 1946, and eventually closed in 1956 after years of inactivity.
This is a very nice find, a British RAF aerial bomb nose or tail fuse fitting, designed for use with the No. 42 fuse. The piece is complete and in solid condition, with much of its original paint still visible. It also features clearly defined maker markings, which remain legible despite some darkening caused by long-term burial.
The fitting has been thoroughly cleaned, revealing its original colouration, although the surface is now slightly darkened. There is some light damage and pitting to the metal, but overall, it remains in very good, stable condition, making it perfect for display or addition to any WWII collection.
This artefact was recovered from the former RAF Thorpe Abbotts airfield, near Diss in Norfolk. The airfield was used by the RAF in 1942, before being handed over in June 1943 to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). It became the base for the famous 100th Bomb Group, which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses and earned the nickname “The Bloody Hundredth” due to the heavy casualties it suffered in combat missions over Europe.
The item comes complete with an A5 laminated information card, featuring photos and historical background.
Historical Background - RAF Thorpe Abbotts:
In 1943, RAF Thorpe Abbotts became the operational base for the USAAF’s 100th Bomb Group, flying B-17 bombers in daylight missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Their devastating losses earned them a reputation as one of the most heavily hit groups in the Eighth Air Force.
Following the end of the war, the airfield was returned to RAF control on 27 June 1946, and eventually closed in 1956 after years of inactivity.
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