robertlarbey Posted 27 December , 2011 Share Posted 27 December , 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 27 December , 2011 Share Posted 27 December , 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertlarbey Posted 27 December , 2011 Author Share Posted 27 December , 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 27 December , 2011 Share Posted 27 December , 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connaughtranger Posted 28 December , 2011 Share Posted 28 December , 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertlarbey Posted 28 December , 2011 Author Share Posted 28 December , 2011 Thanks for info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 28 December , 2011 Share Posted 28 December , 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 30 December , 2011 Share Posted 30 December , 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertlarbey Posted 31 December , 2011 Author Share Posted 31 December , 2011 Thanks David for looking. I'll look out for that book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 31 December , 2011 Share Posted 31 December , 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jainvince Posted 1 January , 2012 Share Posted 1 January , 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertlarbey Posted 1 January , 2012 Author Share Posted 1 January , 2012 You've helped me on other topics, Bernard, so thanks once again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now