Mass Evacuation in Plymouth After 500kg WWII Bomb Found
A massive evacuation rocked Plymouth after experts uncovered a 500kg World War Two German bomb in a busy residential area. It triggered one of the biggest evacuations since WWII ended.
Elite Bomb Squad Join Forces with Royal Navy
More than 100 personnel, including 30 top bomb disposal experts from the Armed Forces, sprang into action. They spent days carefully assessing the bomb’s condition before safely towing it out to sea. The operation involved precise teamwork and scientific know-how to keep the public safe.
Over 10,000 Residents Forced to Flee
Plymouth City Council, backed by emergency services and the military, orchestrated the evacuation of more than 10,000 locals in the bomb’s immediate area and along its transport route. The disposal team painstakingly evaluated the bomb’s explosive payload and fuze to avoid disaster.
Defence Secretary Hails Bravery and Teamwork
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps praised the military and civilian teams for their dedication and skill. The bomb disposal experts from the Army’s 11 EOD & Search Regiment and the Royal Navy’s Diving & Threat Exploitation Group worked tirelessly throughout the high-risk mission.
This operation marked the Government’s first real-life use of the Emergency Alert system, providing crucial updates to residents during the bomb’s removal.
The successful disposal showcased the courage of Armed Forces personnel and the seamless coordination between military and civilian authorities to protect public safety.
