Two weeks of digging in Demjansk

[Jean-Loup]

The local hypermarket

[Jean-Loup]

Inside the hypermarket at rush hour.

[Jean-Loup]

Here we are like a bunch of dumb kids at christmas, admiring our discoveries.

[Jean-Loup]

Stuck in the mud...

[Jean-Loup]

Some "worthless" items abandonned in the forest by some other diggers.
JL

[Jean-Loup]

Some stuff that "Iron digger" is selling.

[Jean-Loup]

A small soviet bunker, with the walls still clearly intact. The door was also intact bu had been taken out before I took the picture. I often though it was a pity that all the bunkers arent changed into miny museums, but no one in Russia cares, especialy not the diggers, who are just exhuming these things because they can earn some money. If it were lumps of gold, or mushrooms, it would be the same to them. Its just the "hruinia" they can earn a living from.

[Jean-Loup]

I think that about it. There are several things I should have taken pictures of but didnt, but I think this photo series will give you a good idea of what its like to dig in Demjansk and what can be found.
This "vacation" was one of the best I have ever had. Betterthen the beach anyhow.
As a final picture, a helmet that was once for sale on Eugenes site.

[Don D.]

Great thread Jean-Loup. It makes sense that the deeper items would be well preserved. silt and ground water keeps out the oxygen which is required for decay and rust to take hold.
Don

[Ostmark]

I enjoyed the pics very much ... the condition of the items is perfect
just like the stuff that can be found in our lakes

[Matt Starr]

These guys seem to have it down to a T. Great stuff Jean but I'm suprised you don't kick up a fuss about disturbing the bunkers considering how much of a fuss you make about aeroplane restorations lol So it's not so much metal detecting then but rather bunker finding and emptying the goodies out. How long till the supply of bunkers runs out!!
Matt

[PIERRE.H]

Thanks for showing these impressive photos
Best regards
PIERRE

[William J]

Outstanding!

Terrific pics. Makes us all wish we were up to our ankles in Demjansk mud!

One question...although I feel dumb asking..

Why are the bunkers submerged underground beneath so much earth? Did the russians bulldoze/bury the German positions after the war? If so, was this done to keep people out of these areas or to simply erase their existence?

Keep up the good work!

William

[Soviet]

Very fascinating digging. Wish I could have been there. It must have been very educative.

Did you manage to find some Soviet stuff or you only found German relics?

Thank you very much for sharing with the rest of us your pictures.

A last question, was it easy to bring out of the country the war relics than you have found in the Demjansk region. I know the Russian laws are very strick.

[behblc]

Great !

A very interesting and enjoyable thread. Thanks for the insight into the "dug" items.