Brimstone destroys thousands of items of unexploded ordnance in Staffordshire

Brimstone is nearing the completion of a long-running unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance project in Burntwood, Staffordshire, where our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) engineers have been carrying out weekly controlled explosions to ensure the site is safe for redevelopment. This has involved the disposal of thousands of WWII rifle grenades.

The discovery of UXO at the housing development site

Work on a housing estate was halted in March 2016 after two unexploded rifle grenades were uncovered during construction. In response, developers Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes appointed Brimstone as the Principal Contractor to manage the UXO risk process from initial assessment through to remediation and disposal.

A Stage 2 Detailed UXO Risk Assessment, conducted at the request of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), revealed that the site was previously used as a military scrap yard during and after World War II. The yard primarily dismantled surplus Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, but evidence suggested that, following the disbandment of the Home Guard in 1944, surplus ammunition had been discarded at the site in an unauthorised manner.

Extensive UXO discoveries and safe disposal

Throughout the project, Brimstone has worked closely with the Health & Safety Executive and the local firearms division of Staffordshire Police to ensure all controlled explosions adhered to strict safety regulations. By the time the final detonation is completed, Brimstone will have been on-site for nearly a year.

Over the course of the clearance, more than 2,500 unexploded rifle grenades from World War II have been recovered and destroyed, alongside various other types of ordnance. Notable finds include:

• No.68 Rifle Grenades – The most frequently discovered item, the No.68 anti-tank grenade was an early shaped-charge weapon designed to penetrate up to two inches of armour. While relatively small, its 156-gram high-explosive charge remains a significant hazard. Between 1941 and 1942, nearly 8 million No.68 grenades were produced in Britain and widely used by both the British Army and Home Guard.
• 3-inch ZAA Rockets – A rarer find, these unguided anti-aircraft rockets were primarily used to counter enemy aircraft during the war.
• Small Arms Ammunition & Fuses – While not as hazardous as high-explosive ordnance, these materials still required careful handling and removal.

Brimstone’s UXO disposal capabilities

At Brimstone, we specialise in the safe disposal of UXO. Our expertise extends beyond this project, and we are equipped with:

• A police ‘acquire and keep’ licence which allows us to purchase and store serviceable explosives.
• A 250kg explosive magazine for nationwide UXO disposal operations.
• Comprehensive UXO risk assessment, survey, and investigation services tailored to meet the specific needs of construction, infrastructure, and land development projects.

If you require UXO risk mitigation, assessment, or disposal services, get in touch with our Commercial Team today.

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