Unexploded grenade shuts down tramline in Croydon

A World War II grenade, likely of British origin, was discovered by a member of the public in undergrowth near tramline tracks in Croydon.

As a result of the UXO (unexploded ordnance) discovery, tram services were temporarily suspended on a stretch of the network. A bomb disposal team attended the scene, assessed the device, and safely removed it.

A common UXO discovery in the UK

Wartime grenades are one of the most frequently encountered types of UXO in Britain. The specific model found in Croydon has not been confirmed, but one of the most commonly discovered types is the Mills Bomb.

The Mills Bomb was the standard British hand grenade during both World Wars, with millions distributed to soldiers and Home Guard units across the country.

Why Are Grenades Still Being Found?

During WWII, Croydon was defended by the 60th Surrey (Home Guard) Battalion, which was issued large quantities of military ordnance. In addition, many businesses and factories established their own Home Guard platoons, receiving weapons and ammunition to protect key infrastructure.

When the Home Guard was stood down in 1944, large amounts of surplus ammunition were simply buried or discarded, often as a quick and convenient disposal method. This accounts for many urban UXO discoveries, including this grenade.

Should the public be concerned about UXO discoveries?

Is UXO dangerous?

Yes, any unexploded ordnance that contains explosives poses a risk. However, most WWII-era grenades and munitions require an impact or ignition source to detonate. As long as such items remain undisturbed, they pose minimal immediate danger to the public.

What should you do if you find UXO?

If you encounter a suspected UXO:

• Do not touch or move the object.
• Mark the location and keep a safe distance.
• Call 999 and report it to the authorities immediately.
• Wait for trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists to assess and remove the device safely.

Specialist UXO services from Brimstone UXO

The presence of unexploded ordnance is a serious consideration for construction projects, infrastructure developments, and land remediation efforts across the UK. At Brimstone UXO, we provide comprehensive UXO risk mitigation services, including:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Identifying potential UXO hazards before construction begins.
• UXO Surveys – Using advanced detection technology to locate buried ordnance.
• UXO Investigations – On-site UXO support to ensure safety.
• Safe UXO Disposal – Expert clearance and disposal services to eliminate UXO risks.

If you require UXO risk management services for your project, contact Brimstone UXO today to discuss how we can help.

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