Ammunition and fuse dug up by builders at a Kent school

Builders working on a construction project at a primary school in Wickhambreaux, Kent, recently uncovered items of unexploded ordnance (UXO), prompting an immediate response from the authorities. The discovery, which included ammunition and a fuze, was made during site preparation for a new build. Kent Police swiftly raised the alarm, and bomb disposal experts from the Army’s Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) were called in to assess and manage the situation.

Was the ammunition a danger?

While the exact nature of the ordnance remains unknown, the fact that a controlled explosion was not carried out suggests that the items did not pose an immediate danger. In many cases, small arms ammunition (SAA), such as bullets, does not represent a significant threat unless subjected to intense heat, which could cause them to ignite. However, the presence of a fuze, depending on its type and condition, could indicate a more complex risk that required expert examination.

How did UXO end up beneath a Kent school?

Kent played a crucial role in Britain’s defence during World War II, due to its strategic location just 20 miles from Nazi-occupied France. The county saw a heavy military presence, with thousands of British troops stationed in the area, coastal defences reinforced, and Home Guard units patrolling local villages.

During this time, military training, defensive preparations, and the sheer volume of personnel likely resulted in lost, discarded, or forgotten munitions. Ammunition may have been left behind following military exercises or improperly disposed of after the war. The discovery of UXO at construction sites in historically significant locations like Kent is not uncommon, emphasising the importance of thorough risk assessments before breaking ground on new projects.

The importance of UXO risk assessments

For any construction or development project, assessing the risk of UXO is a vital step in ensuring safety. Our expert-led UXO risk assessments use historical research to determine the likelihood of UXO presence on your site. We analyse:

• The site’s military history and potential exposure to wartime activities.
• The impact of enemy and allied actions, including bombing and training exercises.
• Post-war developments that may have disturbed or buried UXO.

By understanding the historical context of your site, we can provide tailored risk mitigation strategies to keep your project on track and your workforce safe. If you need guidance on which UXO risk assessment is right for you, get in touch with our team today.

For the latest updates on UXO safety, industry news, and expert insights, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Stay safe, stay informed, and ensure your projects are UXO-free with Brimstone UXO.