V-1 ‘Flying-Bomb’ and crater excavations, Benenden

1.1. V-1 flying-bomb crater, Benenden

Impact crater of the V-1 flying-bomb shot down over Benenden on 30 June 1944. Excavation showed that the crater was formed by the ground detonation of the V-1’s one-ton warhead and measured approximately 8.85 x 8.10 metres.

1.2. Impact site

The finds were recovered from a wooded impact site at Benenden, where the crater and surrounding blast field had long been obscured by dense rhododendron, trees, fallen timber, and deep layers of decayed vegetation.

1.3. Surface finds

Surface finds lay scattered across the woodland floor, while material within the crater was sealed beneath later infill and burnt dumped debris above the original yellow clay profile.

1.4. Crater profile

A distinct central “pocket” visible in profile, is interpreted as the point and angle of detonation. Its alignment may relate to the way the body of the flying-bomb fell before exploding.

1.5. Height setting dial

Of the finds recovered from the crater, a dial came from the V-1’s height-control unit and would have been set before launch to determine the bomb’s flying altitude. Analysis of the surviving markings suggests the Benenden V-1 was flying at about 3,000 feet when it was brought down.

1.6. Tailpipe and wingspar

The heavily decayed steel pulse-jet tailpipe was found 11.5 metres west of the crater centre, lying upside down with its engine end pointing back towards the crater.

2.1. V-1 flying-bomb parts, Benenden

Parts of the V-1 flying-bomb shot down over Benenden on 30 June 1944. The heavily decayed steel pulse-jet tailpipe was found 11.5 metres west of the crater centre, lying upside down with its engine end pointing back towards the crater.

2.2. Wingspar section

This section of heavy cast-steel wingspar was found close to the tailpipe and preserves both its telescopic fitting end and extensive tearing at the opposite end. The damage is consistent with either violent ground impact or explosive break-up during the V-1’s final descent.

2.3. Front end damage

Damage to the front end indicates a nearby anti-aircraft shell burst before the tailpipe separated from the main body in flight.

2.4. Shock absorber and tailpipe yoke

The shock absorber and attached yoke formed part of the front support for the V-1’s pulse-jet engine. Their severe distortion and shrapnel damage provide some of the clearest evidence that a 40mm Bofors shell detonated close to the front of the engine.