Another British bomb appears on Selsey beach

A member of the public recently discovered an item of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Selsey Beach and reported it to the Sussex Coast Guard. The Army was promptly called to the scene, and a safety cordon was established to protect the public while the device was assessed.

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) engineers identified the object as a British air-dropped bomb from World War II. Given the area’s history, such discoveries are not uncommon and serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of wartime activity along the UK’s coastline.

Why do unexploded bombs keep washing up in Selsey?

The Medmerry area, near Selsey, played a significant role during WWII. At the time, it was an isolated and unpopulated stretch of coastline, making it an ideal location for RAF training exercises. A practice bombing range was established and heavily used throughout the war.

Large numbers of both practice (inert) and live munitions were dropped in the intertidal area. The range was primarily used by Army Cooperation Squadrons, which specialised in close air support missions. Aircraft would approach from inland, releasing various weapons on coastal target markers.

One of the key reasons UXO continues to resurface in this region is coastal erosion. The shifting sands and changing tides regularly expose buried ordnance, making the discovery of WWII-era bombs an ongoing issue.

UXO risks and how to stay safe

The presence of unexploded bombs along the UK’s coastline highlights the ongoing risk posed by UXO. Anyone who encounters a suspicious object on the beach should follow these steps:

• Do not touch or move the object.
• Mark the location if safe to do so.
• Call 999 immediately and report it to the authorities.
• Keep a safe distance and warn others nearby.

Brimstone UXO: your UXO risk management experts

Unexploded ordnance remains a significant hazard in the UK, especially in areas with a known military history. At Brimstone UXO, we provide industry-leading UXO assessment, survey, investigation, and disposal services. Whether your project is located along the coast, in an urban area, or on a former military site, we offer bespoke solutions to mitigate the risks posed by explosive ordnance.

Why Choose Brimstone UXO?

• Expert risk assessments tailored to your site.
• Advanced UXO surveys to detect buried UXO.
• Specialist UXO disposal services ensuring safety and compliance.
• Experienced professionals with extensive military and commercial expertise.

If you’re involved in a construction project or working in an area with historical military activity, contact Brimstone UXO today for expert risk assessment and mitigation services.

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