Thanks to Cheryl and the detectorists, here is a catalogue of what people found on one days dig across the land adjacent to Holton Pits. So much evidence of Roman, through to Tudor. Unsurprisingly a few WWW2 tags were found, identified immediately, and where possible returned to their American family.
There were plenty of hammered and buttons but the most stunning was the gold coin
Bartek Oprzedek’s story of finding and returning the DOG tag
It was the furthest dig I’ve ever been on. I and my friend Karol had to drive nearly 200 miles, 4 hours, but it was well worth. It’s always great to see Cheryl from East of England Rallies. I am always very lucky on her digs. I have to say, that I was lucky this time as well. We had two beautiful fields to detect in Suffolk. Land that was next to the army hospital, just about fifteen minutes walk from former airfield. I’ve met some lovely local people taking photos and asking about metal detecting. They asked me if they can take a photo of me in a full gear, and I offered them to have a go with my metal detector. Rachel found a button straight away. We had plenty signals – buttons, coins, watch winder and lead, but one of the signals was very special. Just after about 2.5 hour detecting I found a military dog- tag. A quick research in field and we knew, that the soldier survived and went back to Ohio in USA.
I posted a photo of the dog-tag on my photo group, and Julian offered his help in further
investigation. He said, that he knows someone in USA who could help finding potential family so we could return the dog-tag to the family. He contacted Iain Walker from “Get it Home United” organisation, we’ve sent all details, photo of the tag and I declared, that if there are any members of soldiers family still alive I am very happy to post this great find to USA. After a couple weeks I received some great news. Iain managed to find a member of the soldier’s family. Trudy was very excited about my discovery, she shared with us some
information regarding her uncle including his photo. I asked for her address, and as I promised I went to post office and I posted the dog-tag to USA. It was very exciting discovery, I was checking Royal Mail website every day as I wanted to know what’s the progress. I was told, that it should take 5-8 working days, but this time it took about three
weeks.
Finally just before Easter Trudy said, that the dog-tag arrived safely to Ohio in USA, and it’s where it should be now – with family. I would like to thank Julian Evan-Hart from the Treasure Hunting Magazine, Iain Walker from “Get it Home United”, Cheryl Dawes for organising this great dig, Rachel Kellett and other lovely people for taking photos of me in field so we can add it to this great history. Also thank to Karol Jurczynski who is always happy to travel with me even if it’s the other side of this beautiful country. Thank you all.
Kaliwood 