Smoke emitted by historic device washed up on Devon beach

A member of the public on a routine dog walk in Torcross, a village at the southern tip of Slapton Sands in south Devon, made a shocking discovery when they noticed a wisp of smoke rising from a metal device lying in the sand. It’s believed that the recent stormy weather conditions dislodged the device, causing it to wash up on the beach. Incidents like this are not uncommon along the British coastline, especially in areas with a significant history of military activity.

Upon discovering the device, the concerned individual immediately contacted the police. Authorities arrived promptly and established a safety cordon around the area. This quick response prevented any potential danger to the public and allowed a Royal Navy bomb disposal team to be dispatched to handle the situation.

What caused the smoke?

It’s rare for unexploded ordnance (UXO) over 75 years old to emit smoke, particularly when it has been submerged in the sea for decades. However, this incident is a stark reminder of the lasting dangers posed by old munitions. The presence of smoke is a crucial clue that the device contained an incendiary substance – most likely white phosphorus.

The device, which was approximately 10 inches in length, was carefully detonated by the Royal Navy EOD team on the beach, producing a dramatic display of flame that shot out to sea. This type of intense reaction suggests that the device was more than just a high-explosive bomb – it may have been an incendiary device designed to start fires upon detonation.

Could it be an incendiary bomb?

The precise identity of the device was not immediately confirmed, but it is believed to have been a phosphorus incendiary device. White phosphorus is known for its ability to spontaneously ignite when exposed to oxygen. It’s highly reactive, creating both smoke and intense heat. If the casing of the device had cracked over the years, this could have allowed air to enter, causing the phosphorus to begin emitting smoke before the item was destroyed.

Given the historical context of the area, it’s possible that this device was used as a training aid during World War II military exercises. The Slapton Sands area was used for large-scale amphibious landing training by the Allied forces in the 1940s, and the device could have been one of many munitions used in these operations.

Alternatively, the object could have been a German B2.2EZ incendiary bomb. This device was 9.25 inches long and included a small high-explosive charge. It was designed to cause fires and damage infrastructure when dropped during bombing raids or military exercises.

Operation Tiger and Slapton Sands: a legacy of UXO

The presence of unexploded ordnance at Slapton Sands is not a new issue. In fact, the area has long been associated with the legacy of military training and ordnance left behind from Operation Tiger, a large-scale amphibious landing exercise that took place in the spring of 1944.

From April 22nd to April 30th, 1944, over 30,000 Allied troops participated in the exercise to simulate conditions for the D-Day landings. To mimic battle conditions, a naval bombardment occurred just before the troops landed, and live ammunition was fired from inland positions over the heads of the troops. These operations inevitably left behind unexploded munitions such as bombs, shells, and incendiary devices, many of which have since washed up on the beaches of Slapton Sands.

The discovery of this smoking device is just one example of the many UXO items that have been uncovered along this stretch of coastline. Storm Emma in 2018 unearthed several other dangerous items, including an American anti-tank mine.

The combination of harsh weather conditions and the historical presence of military activity around Slapton Sands has created a unique situation where UXO items continue to surface along the shoreline. Coastal regions like this one often become hotspots for UXO discoveries, as items left from military activity can be disturbed by rising tides, storms, and shifting sands.

Why is unexploded ordnance still a hazard?

While some of the UXO found along British coastlines date back to World War II, the threat they pose is far from over. Devices like incendiary bombs, sea mines, and artillery shells may remain dangerous for decades after being dropped or left behind. When disturbed, these munitions can still detonate, causing significant damage, injuries, or even fatalities.

It’s important to remember that UXO items may not always be easily identifiable to the untrained eye. This is why it’s crucial for members of the public to exercise caution when they encounter suspicious objects on beaches, especially in areas with a history of military activity.

How to stay safe around UXO

If you come across a suspicious object while walking on the beach, it’s vital to follow these safety steps:

• Do not touch or disturb the object.
• Mark the location if possible and move away from the area.
• Call the authorities immediately to report the discovery. In the UK, the police should be contacted, and they will alert the relevant bomb disposal units.
• Stay away from the cordoned-off area until it has been cleared by professionals.

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in UXO risk management, offering detailed surveys, clearance services, and consultation for both commercial and residential projects. Whether you are working on a construction site, planning a development, or simply need advice on UXO risks in your area, our expert team is here to help.

Brimstone UXO: ensuring safety in high-risk areas

Our comprehensive UXO risk mitigation services are designed to provide peace of mind to clients across the UK. From explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) to UXO surveys and risk assessments, we handle a wide range of UXO-related tasks with safety and precision. We are one of the few UXO contractors in the UK with a police-acquire and keep license, allowing us to perform emergency demolitions and the safe disposal of out-of-tolerance explosive products.

If you are dealing with UXO risks on your site or project, reach out to us for expert advice and rapid response services.

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