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Parts of a Heinkel bomber, shot down in 1940, have been found in Puriton, Somerset. Engine parts were found by archaeologists buried 5ft (1.5m) deep in a backgarden. An original photograph was used to pinpoint the location. A example of how archaeologists use existing documentation when dealing with WWII sites.

The backgarden in 1940

Archaeologist Gareth Jones knew that a plane had come down in the general area but it was the photo that helped to zoom in on the exact location. Local opinion had the remains in another location, under a post-war bungalow. The plane was shot down by Spitfires from Pembrey airfield, Carmarthenshire followng a raid on Cardiff docks.

Even with such contemporary archaeology it is easy for the community to forget the details and the location of this plane was lost very quickly, until archaeology was used to find it again.  

The Festival of British Archaeology 2011 was a great success. Over 200,000 people took part in 774 events including walks, talks, hands-on activities, excavations abd fun re-enactments.

Director of the CBA (Council for British Archaeology) Dr Mike Heyworth said: "We have been very impressed with the number of people coming along to events... Such an enthusiastic response from people shows that there is a lot of interest in archaeology and many people believe we should be doing more, not less, to preserve our heritage for future generations". Quite so. ARCHAEOLOGISTS NEED YOU!