Unidentified shell from Thames Estuary

[AshtonPete]

I went on a trip today to Shropshire and the guy there had the shell in the pic, he could not identify it, so I volunteered to put it on here, all he could tell me is that it was dug out of the Thames Estuary and that he thinks it might be French made. I don't have a clue, but he appreciates me putting on the GWF for a possible identification.

Thanks

PHOTO HERE

[wulsten]

This link should explain all

http://www.passioncompassion1418.com/decou...ion.html#france

[Gunner Bailey]

This is a French artillery fuze, more commonly known as a 'Beehive' fuxe. There are 2 main types. The smaller verion was for field guns with ranges up to about 8000 metres, and a larger type used for longer range guns and anti aircraft use. This latter type is the one your friend has.

John

[Old Tom]

Hello,

Does anyone know if these fuses were used by British artillery as anti Zeppelin weapons, or did a French gunner forget which side he was on.

Old Tom

[phil@basildon]

The British used the French 75mm as an anti aircraft gun against the Zeppelin raids, having no suitable weapon of their own. These were only used in the London area as far as I am aware. A likely explanation is that it could have come from the testing ranges at Shoebury, where in the Thames estuary was it found?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hello,

Does anyone know if these fuses were used by British artillery as anti Zeppelin weapons, or did a French gunner forget which side he was on.

Old Tom

I have tossed a few fuses into rivers in my time...

Maybe a tourist on his way back from Verdun? ;-)