Mystery of the naval shell sat in a Devon play park for 100 years
Do you have any information on the Salcombe naval shells?
by Chloe ParkmanAn unexplained naval shell from WWI has been displayed in a local towns park for roughly 100 years.
A rusty old 15” naval shell is displayed in Courtney Park, Salcombe and has been there for a century.
Several other naval shells were distributed to surrounding villages during 1920.
Although the majority of residents in Salcombe are aware of its presence, very few know the history of it, including the Salcombe History Society (SHS).
It is understood that at one stage, there was a brass plaque attached to the shell in Salcombe explaining its presence but that has now vanished.
SHS member, John Grundy said: “It is the projectile that would be fired from a gun on board a battleship or similar.
“There were others presented to towns and villages locally, Galmpton near Hope Cove had one.
“There is one in Widecombe in the Moor which still has its inscription.”
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The Widecombe naval shell inscription reads: "This 15in Naval Shell was presented by the National War Savings Committee in 1920 to the people of Widecombe in recognition of their efforts during the First World War gathering sphagnum moss for the use in the treatment of wounds."
It is understood that the shell in Widecombe was presented in 1920.
John Grundy adds: "I would suggest that the shell in Salcombe and the one that was in Galmpton were presented for some other reason than the collection of moss, but most likely for some other war effort recognition which has been lost over time."
Courtney Park in Salcombe, home to the 15" naval shell, is currently cornered off to the public due to the play park undergoing work by South Hams District Council.
The SHS has contacted the National Archives at Kew in order to get the story behind the Naval Shells but are still yet to unravel the full picture.
For further information regarding the Widecombe naval shell click here.
If anybody knows of any information regarding the Naval Shells, get in touch by emailing Chloe.parkman@reachplc.com