A significant evacuation operation ensued in Plymouth after the discovery of a 500kg World War Two bomb in a residential area, marking one of the largest evacuations since the end of the Second World War. The bomb, identified as an air-dropped German bomb from WWII, was safely removed by bomb disposal experts from the British Army and Royal Navy after days of intense operation.
More than 100 personnel, including 30 of the most experienced bomb disposal specialists from the Armed Forces, meticulously assessed the condition of the bomb before successfully towing it out to sea. The operation required careful analysis, scientific expertise, and coordination between various agencies to ensure public safety.
Plymouth City Council, with support from emergency services and the military, orchestrated the evacuation of over 10,000 residents from the vicinity of the bomb’s location and along its transportation route. The disposal operation, which lasted several days, involved assessing the condition of the bomb’s explosive payload and fuze to determine the risk posed to the surrounding residential area.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps commended the personnel involved for their dedication and expertise in handling the high-risk situation, highlighting the successful collaboration between the military and civilian authorities.
The disposal team, comprising members of the Army’s 11 EOD & Search Regiment and the Royal Navy’s Diving & Threat Exploitation Group, worked tirelessly to ensure the safe removal of the bomb. The operation also marked the first use of the Government’s Emergency Alert system in a real-life scenario, providing essential information to residents to ensure their safety during the transportation of the bomb.
The successful removal and disposal of the WWII bomb underscored the skill and bravery of the Armed Forces personnel, as well as the effective coordination between military and civilian authorities in responding to potential threats to public safety.
