WW2 helmets found in Olympic park (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WW2 helmets found in Olympic park

8:30am Friday 8th June 2007 in

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ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered relics from the Second World War on the Olympic park construction site.

A joint team from the Museum of London and Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd found second world war helmets and other items of historical interest while uncovering a battery of gun emplacements in the north-east of the 500-acre site.

In 1941, four gun emplacements were built on the area that will house the velopark for the 2012 Games.

The emplacements were originally furnished with 4.5 inch guns, and were updated in 1944 with bigger guns.

Researchers will trace the history of the helmets and the soldiers who operated the defences.

The finds will form part of the Museum of London's collection.

Museum of London senior archaeologist Kieron Tyler said: "These finds offer a unique opportunity to understand how east London was part of the City's defensive network during World War Two, protecting the centre of London and the network of waterways to its east.

"The emplacements were part of a complex that included pillboxes and stores, a cordite store has also been uncovered.

"Archaeology is often thought of as studying the distant past, but these finds will help us establish a fuller picture of how east London has changed through time."

Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive David Higgins said: "This archaeological investigation is a real opportunity to tell the fascinating story this part of east London.

"From crucial military defences to the Olympic Games with its legacy of world-class venues, a new park and new communities, it is a story of change and transformation."