Wednesday 6 March 2013

Prisoners of War building a 'steam navvy', Raasay ironstone mines

German Prisoners of War building a 'steam navvy' or dragline. Near entrance to No. 1 Mine, Raasay Ironstone Mines
BGS image ID: P000048
Near entrance to No. 1 Mine in Raasay Ironstone Mines, 1.9 km. east of Raasay House. Inverness-shire. Building of 'steam navvy' or dragline for removal of superficial deposits.  A Bucyrus Steam Dragline or Steam Navvy (Class 14 DL Ex No.838) under construction by German prisoners-of-war, almost certainly in the summer of 1917. It was used for opencast mining. Notice the armed guard on the left. Strewn in front are empty packing cases. Photographer R. Lunn. Old BGS Photo number C02188. Date, almost certainly 1917.

Bob McIntosh

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