He found a bomb under a playground – and there were 176 more
9 days ago
- #World War Two
- #Historical Ordnance
- #Bomb Discovery
- A cache of 177 World War Two bombs was discovered under a playground in Wooler, Northumberland.
- The bombs were found during renovations, initially thought to be an isolated find, but more were uncovered.
- The bombs were practice devices used for training bomber crews and pilots, not live but carrying a charge.
- Theories suggest the bombs were buried by the Home Guard or regular soldiers stationed in the area during the war.
- The site was historically used as an ordnance depot, with military activity documented in local history records.
- Post-war disposal of munitions was haphazard, with large quantities buried or dumped at sea due to lack of health and safety standards.
- The playground has since reopened, with local officials relieved the bombs have been safely removed.