Last Wednesday I visit the former Camp Tophat near Antwerp, Belgium. On this location in 1945/46 a huge camp was build near the Schelde where American troops wait for the shipment to go home. The location is now overgrowd with tree's. Back then it were just grassfields. Here a couple "then" pictures from the internet. As I said last Wednesday I went there with a Belgian friend of my and we brought our metaldetector with us. Also on this location many people have searched before but we have give it a try. In the beginning I allready found a Dutch coin from 1942 and some ammo. At the end of the day I found some nice finds, I've found a bucket that was filled with 2 bottles and an American breadknife (to rotten). The chain of a K98 cleaningkit, a Belgian coin from 1945, shaving cream, etc. But the nicest find a souvenir from an American soldier from paris, a ring with the Eiffel Tower on it! I also found something vague with an "A" on it, looks like something of a pin... It reminds me a bit of the A from the US 1st Army. Well here are the photo's. US tirepomp holder. Regards, Nick
Nick you are a true magician! If you ever come over to France you'd be a king here with your detector. The GMC pin is nice. I like the Eiffel tower souvenir too. Some nice buckles too. I guess there are belt buckles but also tent buckles.
Thank you Skipper, its a beautiful hobby. You are one with nature and history! The buckles indeed were used on many items. The one down-right is from a US shoe.
Wow, great finds Nick! I can only imagine waht the story was behind the ring, for some soldiers sweetheart back home maybe? Very cool! Keep them coming!! I enjoy these posts as I am not able to join you myself!!
The ring is a nice item. It was probably a very common souvenir in 1945, but after over 60 years this item has become rare. it was probably bought by a G.I. on a leave in Paris and he would have dopped it by accident. A very interesting find, especially because it still has the original paint on it.
Hello, My grandfather was a Battle Helmsman in the German Navy during WW2. After having his patrol ship bombed off-shore from Holland, he was stationed in an administrative role there. He was then taken up by an infantry division and marched through Holland, where he was later injured. This landed him in a field hospital which was ultimately taken by Canadian soldiers. He was then sent to a POW camp in Belgium, from which he was sent regularly to Camp Top Hat to perform work duties etc (he was a trained carpenter that spoke English). I am very keen on visiting this site as he has often spoken of it and it holds a curious and important place in my heart. I am wondering, how can I find Camp Top Hat from Antwerp? I have never been to Belgium but wish to make a trip soon. Many thanks, I appreciate your having read this and any replies I may get. My best regards.
