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Where can I find historical artifacts relating to the war?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by StevenG1, Apr 16, 2021.

  1. StevenG1

    StevenG1 New Member

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    Hello, my name is Steve from the UK and I have always been fascinated by modern world history. My key areas of interest are World War 1, 2 and the Soviet Union.

    I am interested in finding artefacts around the UK relating to WW2 to explore. I was wondering if anyone knew of any cement bunkers, remnants of abandoned buildings relating to the war in the UK that I can explore. I am looking on Google but it is difficult to find places outside of museums (I will look around museums too but there's a charm about exploring abandoned places).

    Apologies if this is in the wrong place of the forum (its my first thread). Any help is greatly appreciated of any known areas that may be of interest :)

    Stay safe and have a great day.

    Steve.
     
  2. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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  3. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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    PM the Historian Gordon...
     
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  4. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    Yes, definitely Gordon! ;)
     
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  5. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Do a Facebook search for WW2 military buildings. Gordon has a private group dedicated to these places. I'm sure you'll find many that meet your interests.
     
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  6. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Welcome Steve, Have you tried doing a search on the forum? I'm pretty sure we have several posts about local England military sites to see and visit, bunkers included.

    If you are interested in Bunkers see if you can find a copy of "Pillboxes - a Study of UK Defenses 1940" by Henry Wills. There are maps showing defense positions scattered all over the countryside.
    There is mention of maps from the Ordnance Survey Routeplanner Map. Might give them try at Her Majesty's Stationary Office.

    Our good friend Urgh gave me a copy a few years back and there is a lot of interesting reading in it.
     
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  7. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    Did someone ring?
    Hi Steven,
    Welcome to the forums. My own group's called WW1 & WWII Memories History Group, and it's more dedicated to stories than actual sites, but feel free to take a look.
    WWI & WWII Memories History group-Facebook Groups
    These sites are good places to start-
    The Pillbox Study Group Website.
    Airfield Research Group - Home
    Forgotten airfields europe
    Home Page | Fortress Study Group
    Use these databases to expand your knowledge-
    Home Front Legacy 1914-18
    Defence of Britain Archive
    Repatriated Landscape
    Home – Subterranea Britannica
    The Drill Hall Project> Introduction & Homepage
    Frontline Ulster - Frontline Ulster
    20th Century Cumbrian Defence Introductory Page
    Orkney Defence Interest Network - Welcome
    Secret Scotland
    And then enjoy these FB groups-
    PoW Underground-Facebook Groups (this is also mine)
    WW2 Military Buildings-Facebook Groups
    Pillbox Appreciation Society-Facebook Groups
    Modern Conflict Archaeology
    World War 2 Remains and Sites throughout Scotland ( I help moderate this one)
    WW2 Civil Defence (ARP) Re-enactors.-Facebook Groups
    UK Second World War Heritage
    Edinburgh and Lothians at War
    Aviation Memorials Worldwide-Facebook Groups
    And there's a lot more I can't remember. A couple of urbex sites have a good military content-
    Derelict Places
    28DaysLater.co.uk
    If you need any more help, give me a shout. :cool:
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2021
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  8. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I knew you'd chime in. You are a repository of knowledge when it comes to WW2 military sites.
     
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  9. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    Welcome to the Forum Steve.

    I've had a lifelong fascination with 'derelict WW2 buildings' ( as a friend once unkindly described it ) and have spent countless happy hours researching and visiting them. Gordon (GRW) is hugely knowledgeable and can help you a lot. I'd also recommend many of the magazines and books published over the years by 'After The Battle' publishing.

    I wish you all the best - the atmosphere of such places - especially some of the old airfields - can be quite overwhelming.
     
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  10. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    You did say repository?! ;):p:confused:
     
  11. StevenG1

    StevenG1 New Member

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    Amazing, responses! Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me out :)

    I will take all of these into account and look at all the links provided!

    Apologies it took me so long to respond, been very busy lately. I'd love to make video blogs for myself visiting these places just so I have more than images to reflect on these places as my memories.
     
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  12. StevenG1

    StevenG1 New Member

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    I have been planning a trip to Bristol this May to look at general old abandoned places and wondered if anyone knew of any remnants from the wars that may be around?
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2021
  13. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    I scanned the map from the book I mentioned in post# 6. Hope this helps. The red dots are pillboxes and defences (one or more)
    ps: Don't forget pictures :D

    upload_2021-4-21_17-53-21.png
     
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  14. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    The two urbex groups, and the DoB and Home Front Legacy databases are your best bet.
     
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