1kg German incendiary bomb found in a shed in south-east London

A routine day in Mottingham, Bromley, turned into an urgent response operation when police were called to a residential property after a report of a suspected unexploded bomb. A police cordon was quickly established, and the surrounding road was closed to ensure public safety while the incident was investigated. The object in question was later identified as a 1kg German incendiary bomb, a leftover relic from World War II.

The discovery of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is not uncommon in the UK, especially in areas that were heavily bombed during the war. This incident in south-east London serves as a reminder of the continued risk posed by WWII munitions that remain buried beneath the ground, or in some cases, are uncovered by unsuspecting civilians.

1kg German incendiary bomb: a dangerous WWII relic

Upon arrival, an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team examined the object and confirmed that it was a 1kg German incendiary bomb. Although the bomb appeared to be intact, it was classified as inert, meaning it did not contain an active explosive charge. However, even inert UXOs can be hazardous, and it is often difficult for an untrained eye to distinguish between live and inert ordnance.

In this instance, the bomb was identified as a B1E type incendiary, a small but highly dangerous device commonly used by the German Luftwaffe during WWII. Despite being inert in this case, any suspected UXO should always be treated with extreme caution. Civilians are strongly advised to avoid handling or attempting to move these devices.

The dangers of WWII German incendiary bombs

German incendiary bombs, such as the B1E, were designed to cause widespread fires by igniting upon impact. The B1E incendiary bomb featured a magnesium alloy body, which was filled with thermite, a chemical compound known for its intense heat. Upon striking the ground, a percussion charge inside the bomb would ignite the thermite, creating a devastating incendiary effect.

The B1E type incendiary bombs were the most commonly dropped by the Luftwaffe during WWII. Between 1940 and 1944, over one million of these bombs were dropped across Britain, causing fires and significant damage to both civilian infrastructure and military targets. The B2EZ type incendiary bombs, also part of the German bombloads, were similar but included a small explosive charge with a delay fuse. This feature was designed to deter people from attempting to extinguish the fire before the device could fully ignite, making them even more dangerous.

The incendiary bombs burned at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, making them capable of starting fierce fires that were difficult to control. The heat from these devices posed not only a fire risk but also a substantial burn hazard to anyone in the vicinity. The impact of these bombs on the UK during the war was significant, and they remain a common UXO found in bombed areas today.

Why unexploded WWII bombs still pose a threat

Even though WWII ended more than 75 years ago, unexploded ordnance (UXO) still represents a significant hazard in the UK. The country was heavily bombed during the war, with major cities, military bases, and industrial areas all targeted. In the aftermath of the bombing campaigns, a considerable number of bombs failed to detonate on impact, and they remain buried in the ground or hidden in buildings, sometimes only discovered years later.

Many civilians and even ex-service personnel have kept these devices as souvenirs, unaware of the potential danger they pose. While this practice is not recommended, it is surprisingly common, leading to the inadvertent handling of UXOs. Therefore, it’s crucial that any suspected ordnance is treated with caution and reported to the authorities immediately.

Clearing UXO: ensuring safety for communities

The discovery of an incendiary bomb, such as the one found in Mottingham, highlights the importance of UXO risk management, especially in areas with a history of bombing. At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in unexploded ordnance risk mitigation and provide bespoke solutions to help keep sites and communities safe.

Our expert services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of sites to identify potential hazards from unexploded munitions.
• Surveys and Investigations: Thorough site surveys to locate and assess UXO, including those hidden beneath the surface or in structures.
• Disposal Services: Safe disposal and clearance of UXOs to ensure that construction projects and land developments can proceed without risk.
• Expert Advice: Consultation for businesses and individuals undertaking projects in areas with potential UXO risk.

With over a decade of experience, Brimstone UXO is the leading provider of unexploded ordnance risk management services in the UK. As the country’s only government-assured UXO company, we are committed to delivering expert services that ensure the safety of your property, employees, and the general public. Whether you’re working on a construction project, land redevelopment, or just need advice on how to manage UXO risks, Brimstone UXO has the expertise to help.

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