Phosphorus Grenades Exploded on Trowbridge Building Site

A cache of World War Two-era phosphorus grenades has been safely destroyed in a controlled explosion after being unearthed on a building site in Wiltshire. The discovery underscores the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the UK.

Discovery and Controlled Explosion

A bomb squad was called at approximately 16:00 GMT on Wednesday after builders in Wingfield Road, Trowbridge, unearthed the phosphorus grenades while working in heavy clay soil. Given the highly volatile nature of these incendiary devices, a specialist explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was quickly deployed to assess and neutralise the threat.

Due to safety concerns, residents in the vicinity were advised to remain indoors with windows and doors shut. A controlled explosion was carried out just after midnight to safely dispose of the grenades. To ensure public safety, Wingfield Road was temporarily closed to traffic during the operation but has since reopened.

The History of Phosphorus Grenades

Phosphorus grenades were widely issued to Britain’s Home Guard during World War Two as part of improvised anti-tank defences. These weapons were intended for use in case of a German invasion following the Dunkirk evacuation.

A notable issue with the Home Guard’s use of these devices was their storage and disposal practices. Many units lacked the necessary discipline and infrastructure for proper ammunition management, leading to instances of unauthorised disposal. Consequently, discoveries like the one in Trowbridge are not uncommon across England.

During World War Two, Britain manufactured over six million Self-Igniting Phosphorus (SIP) grenades. These devices contained white phosphorus, which ignites upon exposure to air, making them highly dangerous even decades after their initial production.

Managing UXO Risks on Construction Sites

The presence of historic ordnance on construction sites can pose significant risks, leading to potential delays, safety hazards, and costly disruptions. Identifying UXO risks early is critical to ensuring the safety of workers and the timely completion of projects.

At Brimstone UXO, we offer industry-leading UXO Risk Assessments to help developers and construction teams understand the likelihood of encountering UXO on their sites. Our team of specialists provides risk mitigation strategies, surveys, and safe disposal services to keep your project on track.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

If you are undertaking a construction or development project in an area with historical military activity, don’t leave UXO risks to chance. Contact Brimstone UXO for expert guidance tailored to your specific site requirements.

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