Unexploded American rocket round discovered in Exmouth garden

An unexploded American-made rocket round has been unearthed in a private garden in Exmouth, Devon. The high explosive anti-tank rocket, dating back to the 1950s, was identified as a 3.5-inch calibre M28 rocket – a type commonly used with the Super Bazooka weapon system.

Discovery and safe disposal of the anti-tank rocket

The homeowner stumbled upon the ordnance while carrying out routine gardening work. Recognising the potential danger, they promptly contacted the authorities.

Royal Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists were deployed to the scene, where they confirmed the item as a live round. Due to the hazards posed by its explosive warhead and solid-fuel rocket motor, a controlled removal operation was conducted. Once deemed safe for transport, the device was taken to a nearby beach and neutralised in a controlled detonation.

What is the Super Bazooka?

The M28 rocket was designed for use with the M20 Super Bazooka, a more advanced version of the original WWII Bazooka. Developed in the late 1940s, the Super Bazooka saw extensive combat use during the Korean War. The weapon had a calibre of 3.5 inches (89mm) and was equipped with a high-explosive shaped charge warhead containing 0.86kg of explosive. Its solid-fuel rocket motor provided enough thrust to engage enemy tanks and fortifications, making it a highly effective anti-tank weapon of its time.

Despite being retired from service decades ago, examples of the anti-tank rocket still occasionally turn up in unexpected places, as demonstrated by this recent discovery in Exmouth.

How do these weapons end up in private gardens?

Many unexploded ordnance (UXO) finds across the UK can be traced back to the 20th century, when returning servicemen sometimes kept munitions as souvenirs. While many items were deactivated, some remained live, posing a serious risk to unsuspecting homeowners decades later. In some cases, unwanted ordnance was buried in gardens as an informal means of disposal, leading to discoveries like this one.

The dangers of unexploded ordnance

Even after decades underground, UXO remains highly dangerous. High explosives can degrade over time but may still detonate if disturbed. In addition, old rocket propellants can become unstable, increasing the risk of accidental ignition.

If you ever suspect you have found UXO, the safest course of action is to leave the item undisturbed. Mark the location, move away to a safe distance, and call 999 to report it to the police. The emergency services will assess the situation and ensure it is dealt with safely by trained professionals.

UXO disposal services by Brimstone UXO

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in the safe identification, removal, and disposal of unexploded ordnance across the UK. We are one of the few UXO contractors licensed to acquire and store explosives legally, allowing us to conduct safe demolitions on short notice.

Our team carries out controlled UXO disposals and demolitions, clears historic battlefields and former military sites, and destroys time-expired pyrotechnics and out-of-tolerance explosives. We also provide expert risk assessments and site surveys to help mitigate UXO risks in construction and development projects.

To learn more about our UXO disposal services, visit our website here.

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