Clockwork Bomb: Luftstreitkräfte (German Air Service)

Place Europe: Belgium, Flanders, West-Vlaanderen, Ypres
Accession Number RELAWM07623
Collection type Technology
Object type Munition
Maker Unknown
Place made Germany
Date made pre 11 September 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Cast iron rectangular box with a 1cm flange around the lower edge. The flange is fastened to a corresponding flat plate. The flang and the plate are drilled and tapped to accomodate threaded cheese-headed slotted fastenings. The top surface of the box was originally painted light grey/field grey. White-painted text (illegible) is faintly visible on the top surface. The top surface of the box is pierced with two 3mm diameter holes. The box weighs approximately 1kg.

History / Summary

German device found at Goldfish Chateau; (Chateau Rozelaar) several kilometers due west of Ypres. The device was taken from a German aeroplane brought down by a Guynemer, the French airman, shortly before he was killed, and souveniered by Driver MacDonald, 5th Aust Ammunition sub park. It was thought to be a clockwork bomb component.