Unexploded mortar bomb washes up on Norfolk beach

An unexploded mortar bomb was discovered on Winterton Beach, Norfolk, prompting an emergency response and a controlled detonation to ensure public safety.

The suspicious item, which dates back to WWII, was spotted in the sand by a member of the public on January 3rd, who immediately alerted the local coastguard. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were called to the scene to assess the munition and safely dispose of it.

What was the UXO?

The item recovered from Winterton Beach appears to have been a Blacker Bombard unexploded mortar bomb, a 29mm spigot mortar used almost exclusively by the British Home Guard during WWII. These bombs came in two main variants:

• 20 lb anti-tank bomb – designed to penetrate armored vehicles
• 14 lb anti-personnel bomb – intended for use against enemy troops

Both variants contained two explosive components:

• A high explosive (HE) charge in the bulbous head of the bomb
• A secondary propellant charge at the base

Due to its poor accuracy and limited range, the Blacker Bombard quickly fell out of favour with British forces.

However, during 1941, at the height of the German invasion threat, the British Army had few alternatives, and the Home Guard was left to make use of this basic but available weapon.

Why did the unexploded Mortar Bomb wash up here?

During 1940 and 1941, Britain was preparing for a possible German invasion, and defensive measures were concentrated along the southeastern and eastern coasts. Norfolk, with its expansive beaches and proximity to continental Europe, was a key location for Home Guard training and coastal defense.

There are several reasons why unexploded ordnance (UXO) like this mortar bomb continues to appear along the coastline:

• Live-fire training exercises: Soldiers often used the sea as a firing range, meaning many munitions landed in the water and were lost.
• Dumping of surplus ordnance: At the end of WWII, large quantities of unused explosives were discarded at sea.
• Erosion and shifting tides: Over time, strong currents and storms disturb and move buried munitions, occasionally washing them ashore.

This latest find serves as a stark reminder that Britain’s wartime legacy still poses a risk today, even decades after the conflict ended.

Brimstone UXO: experts in UXO risk management

As a Ministry of Defence-approved UXO clearance and munitions disposal contractor, Brimstone UXO is equipped to handle UXO risk assessments, surveys, and disposal across a variety of environments.

Whether you are planning a project in a potentially contaminated area or need an emergency response, Brimstone UXO has the expertise to manage UXO risks safely, efficiently, and within budget. Explore our website today to learn how we can support you.

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