Mine shafts - where are they?

[robertlarbey]

I'm thinking of the tunnels around Messines, Ontario Farm in particular, in or before June 1917. Where do the tunnels start and go from and to?

Thanks!

Bob

[David B]

Bob,

I am currently reading a book entitled "Crumps and camouflets" which is a history of the Australian tunnellers in and around Messines

and I am sure it has maps of tunnel locations in it. Unfortunately I am away on hols and will be away until the end of the week. If you don't

get a reply by then will have a look up for you.

[robertlarbey]

Thanks David, that's would be great. If it helps, I know it's the 171st Tunnellers who dug it.

Bob

Bob,

I am currently reading a book entitled "Crumps and camouflets" which is a history of the Australian tunnellers in and around Messines

and I am sure it has maps of tunnel locations in it. Unfortunately I am away on hols and will be away until the end of the week. If you don't

get a reply by then will have a look up for you.

[David B]

Bob,

I recall from this book that there were a lot of interaction between the English and Australian tunnellers in the Messines area. The book

talks about a fascinating subject and one of the few warries that have got my attention during the past year or so. I only wish I had bought it

with me, but had other priorities at the time.

[connaughtranger]

Hi

Some fascinating(? ) facts, slightly off topic but indispensable if you're in a Pub Quiz team and the subject comes up

Ontario Farm Mine:

Date of Commencement: 28/1/17

Date of Completion of Charging: 5/6/17

Depth of Charge: 103 feet

Charge in lbs; 60,000

Method of Firing: Exploder

Crater Diameter at ground Level: 250 ft

Width of Rim: 10 ft

Depth Below Ground Level: Almost nil

Height of Rim: 4 ft

Diameter of Complete Obliteration: 220 ft

Length of Gallery: 1290 ft

Details from Work of RE in the European War Military Mining

[robertlarbey]

Thanks for info!

[David B]

Bob,

I haven't' forgotten, will be able to get back to you with something on Friday morning (UK time) - I am in Oz, when I return from hols.

Cheers

[David B]

Bob,

I have had a thorough look over the book Crumps and Camouflets and unfortunately it doesn't appear to mention anything mthat you are interested in.

The only reference to British T/c's was the units involved - 170 to 185 and 251 to 258 tunnelling companies. I think the reason why there is no mention of

your interest is that the Australian t/c's appeared to be working in a different area to that of Messines, i.e. in the Loos sector around hill 70, with the British

t/c's working around Messines and the hill 60 area.

I am sorry not to have been of any help, and note Connaughtrangers input which looks to be quite useful.

[robertlarbey]

Thanks David for looking. I'll look out for that book.

[David B]

Bob,

Thge details of the book are - Crumps and Camouflets by Damien Finlayson, first published in Australia in 2010 by Big Sky Publishing

ISBN 9780980658255 (hbk). The e-mail address of thepublishers is info@bigskypublishing.com.au.

I can't give you a price (it was a prezzy and the sticker removed ) but I would estimate it to be in the 30 pounds (UK) range.

Cheers & HNY

[jainvince]

Bob

Not an expert in this field but the 1st Australian Tunnelling Co were at Hill 60 (& Battle Wood) in June 1917. I have their War Dairy on a spreadsheet plus a detailed coloured map of the mines and trenches.

Maybe someone will confirm who drove the Ontario Farm Crater. A few details are here

http://ypres1917.3.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=641&st=30

Bernard

[robertlarbey]

You've helped me on other topics, Bernard, so thanks once again!