A 2 inch high explosive mortar bomb was was dug by a local metal detectorist in Cumbria yesterday.

A member of the public exhumed the WW2 unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Rickerby Park, Carlisle during an afternoon walk.

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Mortar bomb carlisle eod
The corroded mortar bomb with its tail fin still attached
Is there a greater UXO risk to metal detector users?

Yes, people who use metal detectors are especially at risk from buried UXO. In order to investigate a metallic anomaly, the detectorist will have to dig up the item, increasing the likelihood that they will impact the object.

Untrained persons are more likely to mishandle UXO, elevating the risk of an inadvertent detonation. When unearthing metal objects, extreme caution should always be exercised.

Why was a mortar bomb buried beneath a public park?

The number of soldiers in England swelled greatly with the influx of allied armies during WWII. In response, the British War Office requisitioned public land throughout the U.K. The armed forces then used this additional land for training and accommodation.

Unexploded ammunition finds, such as this mortar, highlight the hazardous legacy of this wartime policy.

Conducting ground works on parkland? Brimstone would always recommend carrying out a UXO Risk Assessment first.

Mortar bomb soldiers eod
British soldiers train with a 2 inch mortar during world war 2

Yesterday’s incident follows a similar find just 13 days ago in East Anglia.