A unique find has been uncovered in Harwell, Oxfordshire, where archaeologists unearthed an experimental catapult that was once designed to launch WWII bomber planes into the sky. Dubbed the Royal Aircraft Establishment Mark III Catapult, it was created to enable shortened runway launches, allowing planes to carry more fuel. Between 1938 and 1940, the contraption was built while the site was still RAF Harwell. However, the device failed to launch any aircraft due to its improper design which caused engine wear and tear.
Since being uncovered, the team at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) has recreated a 3D digital replica of the remains to preserve the catapult for future generations through records. The catapult’s remnants have since been dismantled, but are currently being archived so the construction work in the area can proceed. Other finds from the excavation include large lights from another nearby runway and a Spigot Mortar-type gun emplacement, which was used to defend it from attack.
Records show that the technology was a precursor to Catapult Armed Merchant (CAM) ships, which launched Hawker Hurricanes at sea via rocket-propelled catapults. Susan Porter, the project officer at MOLA, said that the structure was a reminder of the remarkable experimentations and innovations during the interwar years and WWII. She went on to stress the importance of recording every inch of the catapult, highlighting their efforts in preserving the remains for future generations.
Excavations in Harwell have continued to uncover historical relics that shed light on the UK’s past, including the discovery of the first-ever iron age skull puncture, in a noticeable trend of recent findings in English excavation sites that have uncovered a host of interesting artefacts. The excavation work highlights the importance of detecting and investigating historical artefacts in different parts of the world, allowing for better insight into our past and deeper understanding of our present circumstances
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