Incredible finds from the German dugout. (15 photos)

It was a warm and sunny day in August. We arrived at a German position. 70 years ago, Wehrmacht troops were stationed here.  I immediately began digging up a German dugout. And the first find was not long in coming. It turned out to be an aluminum box, which was crammed to the brim with machine-gun cartridges.

Box of cartridges for the German MG machine gun. Photo by @swamp_war

Perhaps if they were dried, they could be used for their intended purpose. Photo by @swamp_war

Digging another 25-30 cm deep, I saw several objects at once – a leather boot, a muzzle of a rifle, and scattered rounds of cartridges. It all looked like they had been lost about 5 years ago. It was impossible to believe that these objects had been in the ground for more than 70 years after Second World War.

At this moment I did not know that the objects would be in perfect condition. Photo by @swamp_war

German leather boots. Photo by @swamp_war

Washed shoes with water. I think if you flash them with threads, you can use them. Photo by @swamp_war

Taking out a rifle from the mud I was shocked. All metal parts were like new. Even wooden part of the rifle was preserved. That was incredible. I had never found a rifle in this condition before. I wanted to wash the rifle with water, load the cartridge from a previously found box and shoot. And although at that moment it was impossible, this idea could be made a reality.

German rifle Mauser K98. Due to the vacuum in the mud, this rifle is perfectly preserved. Photo by @swamp_war

The next find was a German helmet, which was painted white (winter disguise). Perhaps the helmet and rifle belonged to one person.

German helmet М-40. Photo by @swamp_war

The helmet, like the rest of the items, did not rusted at all. Photo by @swamp_war

Not every digger will be lucky to find items in this condition. Photo by @swamp_war

After removing another half-meter layer of dirt, I found a box for 80-mm German mines. It was all covered with inscriptions made in Gothic font. Having opened it, we did not find anything in it.

Read: Xmas digs

Even the wooden handle on the box did not rot after so many years. Photo by @swamp_war

Near from the drawer, I dug up a German K98 Mauser leather ammunition pouch. In it soldiers carried a stock of cartridges for a rifle.

German K98 Mauser leather ammunition pouch. Photo by @swamp_war

After restoration, the pouch will take its rightful place in the collection. Photo by @swamp_war

In addition to these findings, there were also household items (a dangerous razor, fork, various tubes and bottles, and much more.)

Photo by @swamp_war

All finds from one dugout. Photo by @swamp_war

We have a video on our YouTube channel about how we dig this dugout. Channel Name – Война в болотах       Photo by @swamp_war