DA Forgie, a leading dealer of construction and agricultural machinery based in Northern Ireland, has pitched in to support an archaeological dig at a World War II crash site.
Shortly after takeoff, a twin engine bomber crashed at the Ballykelly, Londonderry site in 1942, sadly killing its crew of three. The dig was commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and Department for Communities, and will feature on the BBC’s Digging for Britain. BBC News Northern Ireland was also on site to report on the excavation.
DA Forgie supplied an operator and Kubota excavator for the dig, helping to carefully expose the site’s two main areas of interest, where the aircraft’s engines made contact. Students from nearby Foyle College helped dig organiser Jonny McNee delicately excavate the buried debris. The state of the artefacts, which were for the most part burnt and shattered, sheds light on what occurred at the site.
“We were delighted to support the project”, said Ria, Operations Manager at D.A. Forgie. “It was great to be able to take part and be involved in such a wide-ranging project, with the MoD, BBC and students all present. It will make sure this important and historic site is commemorated, and the families of those who sadly lost their lives can receive some closure.”
The dig organisers and students raised funds for certain aspects of the dig, and are hoping to visit relatives of the crew in London.
Glen Hampson, Construction Division Manager at Kubota UK, said: “Examples like this really demonstrate the versatility of our mini excavator portfolio, capable of providing real power where necessary while also being the perfect partner where precision and great care is needed.”
