Working Together to Uncover RAF Blyton’s Hidden History
We are proud to be working closely with the farmers and landowners across the dispersed sites and former airfield to identify suitable areas for responsible metal detecting. Their support allows us to explore the landscape with care, respect, and a shared commitment to preserving the heritage beneath our feet.
Our dedicated team of experienced detectorists brings a strong interest in aviation history and a deep understanding of the site’s wartime significance. Every exploration has revealed new artifacts connected to RAF Blyton’s past each one a small but meaningful piece of the station’s story.
As discoveries are made, we will share them on this page along with brief explanations wherever possible. These finds help us build a clearer picture of daily life on the base and ensure that the history of RAF Blyton continues to be remembered and understood.
A King George 5th penny with unknown date 192? A British bronze coin minted from 1911 to 1936, featuring King George V on the front and Britannia on the back, famous for its commonality and still in service during the war years, this one was detected and recovered by Paul but in poor condition to fully identify the date.
Found by Roger a burnt out 4 lb (1.8 kg) incendiary bomb, these devices were developed by ICI, and was the standard light incendiary bomb used by RAF Bomber Command in very large numbers, declining slightly in 1944 to 35.8 million bombs produced (the decline being due to more bombs arriving from the United States). It was the weapon of choice for the British "dehousing" plan. The bomb consisted of a hollow body made from aluminium-magnesium alloy with a cast iron/steel nose, and filled with thermite incendiary pellets. It was capable of burning for up to ten minutes. Our find still reveals the red painted front end when the mud was removed. We believe this may have been located at a tip/ rubbish site dumb and our investigations are ongoing for future visits.
A fascinating day of metal detecting with some brilliant finds from Paul Kinder. Highlights included a .303 ball round and tracer bullet, a cabinet door handle, a small uniform belt buckle, and a lovely RAF uniform button featuring the crown and eagle.
Coins also told their own stories a 1938 half penny of King George VI, showing the Golden Hind the ship that carried Sir Francis Drake around the globe and a 1900 German 1 pfennig, found near Site No. 3’s accommodation area, reflecting centuries of German monetary history. Also a general service uniform button with two lions on and an unidentified button with no obvious design marks
This week’s metal detecting around the main admin area and site entrance has uncovered another great mix of history. Finds included a musket ball, a 1915 penny, several buttons five of them military and RAF tunic buttons along with small tools, building electrical remains, an Air Raid Warden’s door sign, and an intriguing black sign marked “W 3” still awaiting identification.
We’re heading back out this week to continue the search. Stay tuned for more updates as RAF Blyton’s story continues to reveal itself.