Does anyone recognise what this is? Found on the Somme.

[Rob Chester]

Hello All,

 

I collected this from a trip to the Somme battlefield in the 1990s and I a ashamed to say it has been sat untouched in my cupboard since then. However this period of enforced lock down has led me to getting it out and cleaning it off, but what is it? I thought it might be part of a light railway rail, but it has a hole right through it. I wonder now if it might be more farm machinery than military, has anyone seen one before or know what it is.

 

Rob

 

[Gunner Bailey]

Section of light railway track? 

[Hedley Malloch]

24 minutes ago, Gunner Bailey said:

Section of light railway track? 

 

Agree. Where was it found?

[Rob Chester]

Hello, I can't remember exactly where I found it but it was somewhere around Albert. I thought it was a piece of rail when I picked it up originally but I am not so sure now - in profile the rail does not seem high enough off the ground.

[William Shelford]

I don't think it is a bit of rail.

[Rob Chester]

Hello All,

I posted the pictures on a railway forum and am told it is a Glut Block these are used as spacers on points on railways to keep the rails the correct distance apart. Sadly I can't remember exactly where I found it but it wasn't near a railway so I am pretty sure it must have come from a temporary railway laid by the army. Thanks everyone for looking and all your help.

Rob

[Gunner Bailey]

There was one that ran north into Mametz Wood. My grandfather helped build it.