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A multidisciplinary scientific investigation of the 1916 Hawthorn Mine Crater, Beaumont Hamel, Somme, Northern France

Wisniewski, K.D.; Doyle, P.; Hunter, R.J.S.; Pringle, J.K.; Stimpson, I.G.; Wright, D.; Squires, K.; Sutherland, Z.; Cassella, J.P.; Graham, F.C.; Ottey, P.

Authors

K.D. Wisniewski

P. Doyle

R.J.S. Hunter

D. Wright

K. Squires

Z. Sutherland

J.P. Cassella

F.C. Graham

P. Ottey



Abstract

Hawthorn Crater is a prominent feature of the former Somme battlefield near Beaumont Hamel, Northern France. It resulted from the detonation of arguably the most famous of nine mines that the British had prepared below German lines on 1 July 1916, as part of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme. However, the crater has not been studied scientifically, as was in private land until recently taken over by the Hawthorn Crater Association. This paper documents three field seasons of multi-disciplinary site investigations. Methods included: remote sensing, drones, ground-based-LiDAR and surface surveys, geophysics and archaeological investigations. Magnetic anomalies were identified as: still-intact German fire pits, barbed wire and equipment, as the crater became the frontline after formation, and Allied shell craters. This study provided a rare opportunity to study a First World War mine crater, and highlighting modern science can assist detection and characterisation of significant archaeological sites.

Citation

Wisniewski, K., Doyle, P., Hunter, R., Pringle, J., Stimpson, I., Wright, D., …Ottey, P. (2024). A multidisciplinary scientific investigation of the 1916 Hawthorn Mine Crater, Beaumont Hamel, Somme, Northern France. Journal of Conflict Archaeology, 18(2-3), 125-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/15740773.2023.2297202

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 15, 2023
Online Publication Date Jan 7, 2024
Publication Date Jan 7, 2024
Deposit Date Jan 19, 2024
Journal Journal of Conflict Archaeology
Print ISSN 1574-0773
Publisher Maney Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 18
Issue 2-3
Pages 125-156
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/15740773.2023.2297202
Keywords WW1; France; Hawthorn Crater; Somme; Beaumont Hamel; geophysics; archaeology
Public URL https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/704930