Multiple wartime grenades discovered in a public park in Kent

Police were called to St George’s Park in Tunbridge Wells after multiple wartime grenades were discovered, prompting the deployment of an army bomb disposal team. The unexploded ordnance (UXO), believed to date back to World War II, was safely destroyed in a controlled explosion.

How were the wartime grenades discovered?

A member of the public stumbled upon the grenades while out for a morning walk. UXO finds like this are not uncommon in the UK, where remnants of wartime activity continue to surface in unexpected locations, including urban parks, construction sites, and farmland.

Why was a grenade found in a public park?

During World War II, the number of soldiers in Britain increased significantly due to the influx of Allied troops. To accommodate the growing military presence, the British War Office requisitioned large areas of public land for various military purposes.

One key force involved in home defence was the Home Guard, a volunteer group made up of men who were either too old for active service or engaged in essential war industries. Many public parks were temporarily converted into training grounds, parade areas, and even defensive positions. It is likely that St George’s Park was used for such activities, which could explain why the grenades remained buried for decades.

The hidden danger of UXO

Despite the passage of time, UXO remains a significant risk in many parts of the UK. Items such as grenades, artillery shells, and mortar rounds can still be live, posing a serious danger to those who unknowingly disturb them.

If you ever come across a suspicious object that could be UXO, follow these steps:

• Do not touch or move the object – Even after decades, UXO can remain volatile.
• Mark the location if safe to do so – Use a GPS pin on your phone or note nearby landmarks.
• Call 999 immediately – The police will coordinate with bomb disposal experts to handle the situation safely.

How Brimstone UXO can help

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in UXO risk mitigation, helping landowners, developers, and contractors manage the risks associated with unexploded ordnance. If you are planning construction or groundworks in an area with a military history, a UXO Risk Assessment can identify potential threats before work begins.

Our services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Evaluating historical records to assess potential threats.
• UXO Surveys – Using specialist detection equipment to locate buried ordnance.
• On-Site Support – Monitoring excavations, borehole and drilling projects, groundworks and site investigations to ensure safety.
• UXO Clearance – Safe removal and disposal of discovered items.

Incidents like the discovery of wartime grenades in St George’s Park serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of military history on the UK landscape. If you work in construction, archaeology, or land management, staying informed about UXO risks is crucial.

For more updates on UXO safety and risk mitigation, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.