Metal detecting WW2 sites
A particular category of metal detecting is metal detecting WWII sites for relics from the Second World War. For many, it is one of the most exciting metal detecting areas. World War II is pretty close in time, so many items are still in good condition.
In some places, you don’t even need a metal detector; the finds lay loose on the ground. Of course, this applies mainly to cliffs and rocky terrain. But relics can sometimes be found on the ground, even in forested areas.
Metal detecting WWII battlefields
In many places in Europe, areas are well suited for this type of treasure hunt. It can be battlefields, barracks, beaches, roads or almost anywhere. Wherever war and people have been, they have left behind metal objects that can now be found with metal detectors. The fighting spread throughout Europe, and there are still many places that detectorists have not yet explored. The military did not only advance along the roads but in all fields, mountains and forests.
Friends Make A Deadly Discovery
“At first, the two friends weren’t sure who had owned these guns and explosives… but then they found this German crest. The text, which was in German, read: Meine ehre ist treue. That translated roughly in English to “My honour is loyalty.”
Read more on boredomtherapy.com
Metal detecting D-Day and Normandy
The beaches of France are one such place that can interest detectorists. One of the most significant invasions ever took place on the shores of Normandy. We have all heard of D-Day and the beaches that were used. While it is legal to detect on French beaches, you should be aware that several French beaches are designated war graves and must not be searched with metal detectors.
Please note that the entire Normandy region is strictly regulated concerning metal detectors, and detectorists must report all findings of historical significance to local authorities. If you plan to go to French beaches with a metal detector, find out where and how you are allowed to detect relics.
Metal detecting for WW2 relics
Metal detecting for Second World War relics in former eastern countries is a widespread hobby not always seen with gentle eyes by the authorities. When the Second World War ended, soldiers discarded large quantities of weapons, firearms and ammunition. Thrown into waterways and wells instead of being transported to military warehouses. Searching rivers, streams and creeks for relics from the war has proven to be very productive.
Battlefield detectorists of eastern Europe
“The men are among the thousands of detectorists across Eastern Europe hunting for relics of the Red Army, the Third Reich and Imperial Russia. Beneath ploughed fields and remote woodland is buried treasure from a turbulent, vanishing past. Even today, the war dead lie in these lands. Sometimes bodies are found.”
Read more theguardian.com
Relics, weapons and ammunition
Today’s calm and idyllic areas, with forests and meadows, may have been an inferno of war and fire a few decades ago. Today you can find traces of the people who participated in this madness with a metal detector. Unfortunately, you will find not only innocent things but also ammunition and explosives that can still be dangerous after a long time. So when using a shovel on a European battlefield, it is essential to exercise caution.
