Storm Emma exposes two American unexploded anti-tank mines in Devon

Severe weather conditions brought by Storm Emma have unearthed two World War Two anti-tank mines on a beach in Devon, highlighting the hidden dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) along the UK’s coastline. It is believed these devices were used during live-fire exercises in the Second World War and remained buried until the storm’s force exposed them.

How were these anti-tank mines uncovered?

It remains unclear whether these anti-tank mines were dislodged from the seabed and carried ashore by the storm surge, or if they had been buried on the beach for decades and were simply revealed due to severe coastal erosion. Storm Emma’s powerful waves and high tides created the perfect conditions for shifting sediment and exposing long-lost wartime relics.

Storms and their impact on UXO discoveries

Extreme weather events, particularly storms, often lead to the discovery of UXO, like these anti-tank mines, across the UK. Heavy rainfall, storm surges, and rising tides can erode riverbanks and coastal landscapes, dislodging unexploded ordnance that has remained hidden for decades. This phenomenon poses an increased risk to the public, as UXO may become exposed in areas frequently accessed by beachgoers, dog walkers, and construction teams working in coastal locations.

The presence of UXO in such environments is a direct result of the extensive military training that took place in the UK during World War Two. Allied forces stationed in Britain sought to replicate real battlefield conditions as closely as possible, frequently using live ammunition in training exercises. Inevitably, some of these munitions failed to detonate, leaving behind a legacy of UXO that still surfaces today.

The legacy of exercise tiger

One of the most well-known examples of large-scale live-fire military exercises was Exercise Tiger, an amphibious training operation conducted in the spring of 1944 at Slapton Sands. Designed to prepare Allied troops for the D-Day landings, the exercise involved naval bombardments and live ammunition to simulate actual combat conditions.

The intense military activity in this region left behind significant UXO contamination, which, combined with the effects of erosion and tidal movements, continues to pose a risk today. Such events serve as reminders that unexploded ordnance can still be found in unexpected locations, particularly along the UK’s historically significant coastlines.

Navigating UXO risks in coastal areas

The combination of historic military activity and coastal erosion means that UXO finds are not uncommon along the UK’s shores. Naval mines, shells, and other wartime remnants frequently wash up or become uncovered by natural processes. This presents risks to both the public and construction professionals working in these environments.

If your project involves groundworks in a coastal area, Brimstone UXO strongly advises undertaking a Stage 2 Detailed UXO Risk Assessment before breaking ground. Identifying potential UXO hazards early ensures safety, prevents costly delays, and allows work to proceed with minimal disruption.

The unique combination of sea action and historic military defence does indicate that, generally speaking, coastlines can concentrate UXO. Naval weapons such as mines and shells frequently wash up on shores around the world. This is in addition to land-based military activity resulting in coastal UXO contamination.

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