German 50kg bomb stops work at Kent residential development

A World War II-era SD50 bomb has been unearthed at a construction site in Kings Hill, West Kent. The unexploded ordnance (UXO), believed to have been dropped during a wartime air raid, was found buried approximately 3 meters below the surface, according to drone footage.

Safety measures and controlled detonation

Upon discovery, authorities implemented a 200-meter exclusion zone as a precautionary measure, halting all construction work and evacuating nearby areas. A British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to assess the situation. Due to the sensitive nature of the bomb, specialists determined that a controlled explosion was the safest course of action. The operation was carried out successfully, ensuring the safety of residents and workers.

German high-explosive bombs: a legacy of WWII

The SD50 bomb was most likely dropped during one of several German air raids against RAF West Malling, a strategically important airbase during World War II. The Battle of Britain (summer 1940) saw intense bombing campaigns in the region, with RAF West Malling sustaining over 100 bomb strikes during the heaviest attacks.

This discovery follows a similar incident just weeks ago in south-west London, where a 250kg German bomb was unearthed at a construction site. That ordnance was also deemed too unstable to move and had to be destroyed in situ, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by UXO in the UK.

What was the SD50 bomb?

The Sprengbombe Dickwandig (SD) series of German high-explosive bombs were the second most commonly deployed family of ‘iron’ bombs during WWII. Unlike the more common SC bombs, the SD bombs had thicker steel casings, meaning their charge-to-weight ratio was only 30–40% of their total weight. This resulted in less blast impact but a greater fragmentation effect, making them highly effective against personnel and unarmoured targets.

SD50 bomb specifications:

• Explosive Content: 16.4kg of TNT (high explosive)
• Total Weight: 50kg
• Fuse Type: Instantaneous or short time-delay, depending on mission objectives
• Effect: Greater shrapnel dispersion, causing widespread fragmentation injuries

The presence of such ordnance decades after WWII underscores the lasting impact of the conflict on modern infrastructure projects.

Mitigating UXO risks in construction

The discovery of this German SD50 bomb in Kent serves as a stark reminder of the UXO hazards present across the UK. Construction companies, developers, and landowners must take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.

How Brimstone UXO Can Help

At Brimstone UXO, we provide comprehensive UXO risk management solutions, ensuring that your project remains safe and compliant. Our services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Identifying potential risks before work begins.
• UXO Surveys – Advanced detection methods to locate buried ordnance.
• UXO Investigations – Confirming the presence of UXO and supporting works on-site.
• UXO Disposal & Clearance – Safe and professional ordnance removal and disposal.

If you are planning construction, infrastructure development, or excavation works, our UXO risk mitigation services could prevent costly delays and, most importantly, ensure site safety. To learn more, visit our website.

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