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

Abstract

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.