Found near the Rhine - what is it?

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by alberk, Sep 1, 2022.

  1. alberk

    alberk Well-Known Member

    Hella,

    here's another object found on the bank of the river Rhine near Emmerich at extremely low water levels. Is this of British origin, probably something used by RE sappers in 1945?
    04_Helmes NEU.jpg
     
  2. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    Giving the tread a bump.
     
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  3. idler

    idler GeneralList

    It looks like a form of ground anchor that would be 'nailed' down through the sockets.
     
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  4. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Thought of doing that D55 but wanted to see if any of our armoured experts might give it a shot.
    My thought was part of a Flail Chain on a mine sweeping tank. Cant quite see why but it doesn't look like a transmission or a track section.
    I like Idlers suggestion now!
    Perhaps a temporary anchor for assault boats.
     
  5. idler

    idler GeneralList

    A quick google suggests it's upside down as the fashion seems to be to bang the pins in in an X rather than an inverted V. Anyway, 'anchor plate' or holdfast are other terms to pursue.
     
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  6. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    Of course it could also be from some agriculture equipment too. :(
     
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  7. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    What a harrowing idea!
     
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  8. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    Idler has it.

    I missed this when first posted but:
    It is a picket holdfast, and yes it is upside down. A five foot long steel picket post is driven through each of the holes and into firm earth. A single picket can hold 7cwt but they can be used in series or in a V shape formation. A 3-2-1 formation will hold 2 tons. The normal use was in connection with winching but I suppose they could be used in bridging etc.

    Source: Royal Engineers Supplementary Pocket Book No3. Bridging.

    Mike
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2022
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  9. JDKR

    JDKR Member

    Plough on until the correct identification!
     
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  10. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    It pays to rattle cages, or give a bump. So many threads disappear with no replies. Bad for morale.
    A bad guess often turns into a good answer.
    Part of basic police interrogation process is to ask a stupid question or give a wrong answer.
    Its Human nature to jump in without thinking, to prove how much we know.

    I should have recognised it really but it was so long ago when I saw one (1960's). We had a Survey Truck bogged down. Eventually had to get the LAD out with a Scammell as it sunk into a bog.
    When the guns or trucks get bogged down in soft ground you use this sort of device to anchor the winch vehicle (often a gun tractor) so that the bogged down
    gun/ vehicle can be pulled out.
    Sometimes you need several anchors and Gun Tractors anchored down to get one vehicle out.
    Illustration of a recovery below (Courtesy Mennell Family Collection) San Clemente Monte Grande River Silaro in flood. The anchor device isn't visible.
     

    Attached Files:

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  11. idler

    idler GeneralList

    I've said it before: the quickest way to get the right answer is to post a wrong one.
     
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  12. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    The alternative. Photo of another application pending BC's Jeep bogged down in the Bosco, Anzio. Courtesy of the Shepherd Family Collection.
    Four wheel drive is ok until all four wheels begin to slip.
     

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