Spitfire Drop Tank Found on Dutch Beach

Always keep your eyes open when beachcombing.
"Dutch media outlets are reporting an interesting discovery that took place at Vrouwenpolder, in the southwestern province of Zeeland, in the Netherlands, where a lifeguard found something special in the morning on Oct. 14, 2020. What appeared to be a large piece of debris, turned out to be a part of a Spitfire (or Seafire), one of the most famous fighter planes of WWII.
Many Spitfire aircraft taking part in the Battle of Britain were lost at sea and the piece that washed up some 75 years after the end of WWII may well belong to one of them. However, it’s worth remembering that, although the single-seat fighter aircraft was primarily operated by the Royal Air Force, other Allied countries flew the legendary British aircraft before, during, and after WWII. Actually, many Spitfire aircraft (including some replicas) are still flying today.
According to FAQT.nl, after finding the Spitfire, the lifeguards have contacted Central Zealand airport, where the wing is now going. The Wings to Victory foundation will try to trace the history of the aircraft and the pilot.
“When they called this morning with the message we found some fragments of a spitfire and they are made of wood, I thought: that cannot be right. Because almost everything on the spitfire is made of metal”, said Martien van Dijk of the Wings to Victory foundation. “But it turns out to be correct. Because it is an extra fuel tank and they were made of wood, especially at the end of the war.”
Spitfire Fighter Aircraft’s Part Washes Up On A Dutch Shore 75 Years After The End Of WWII

 

If it is indeed a supplementary fuel tank for a Spit then it isn't a BoB one. Although the 30 gal slipper tank was developed and fitted for some PRU Mk Is AFAIK they didn't begin to be fitted albeit retrospectively and in small numbers until after the battle. The first model to have the 30 gal tank available as standard was the MkVb.

 

Didn't they make drop tanks out of treated paper as well, though I don't know if it was for Spits?

 

The first drop tanks, as opposed to slipper tanks, fitted to Spitfires appear to have been metal ones developed for the Mustang and trialed at Wright Field where they had problems getting papier mache ones to work. Papier mache was persisted with because it was lighter and the Germans were recovering and salvaging the metal ones.

 

I can remember back in the day being told about an enterprising RAF mechanic who converted a 90 gallon drop tank into a 3 wheel run about powered. by a spare motorcycle engine. I would like to know does anyone have anymore information?