WW2 mortar bomb dug up during roadworks in Suffolk

Workers conducting maintenance on a water main near Walberswick recently uncovered an unexploded WW2 mortar bomb, highlighting the continued presence of wartime remnants across the UK.

Immediate response from bomb disposal experts

Upon discovering the ordnance, authorities quickly called in a bomb disposal team to assess the situation. As a precautionary measure, the road was closed while specialists identified the device. The item was determined to be a British 2-inch WW2 mortar bomb, likely of the high-explosive variety, as indicated by the red stripe marking on the casing.

How did this WW2 mortar bomb end up here?

The discovery of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in this region is not entirely surprising. Just south of the find lies the former Dunwich Training Area, a military battle training site used extensively during World War II.

During the war, the UK saw an influx of Allied forces, leading to the expansion of military training areas across the country. It is highly probable that this mortar bomb was a remnant from wartime training exercises, possibly fired but failing to detonate or misplaced beyond the designated boundaries of the Dunwich Training Area.

Understanding UXO risks on your site

If you are involved in construction, infrastructure development, or land management, it is crucial to consider the potential risks posed by UXO, particularly in historically significant military areas. Unexploded ordnance can present significant hazards, causing project delays, safety concerns, and increased costs.

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in comprehensive UXO risk assessments tailored to your site’s history and geographical context. Our services include:

• Preliminary UXO Risk Assessments – Delivered within 24 to 48-hours, providing a cost-effective and fast way to determine or discount potential UXO risks.
• Detailed UXO Risk Assessments – In-depth analysis using primary and secondary historical sources to evaluate UXO presence.
• On-Site Surveys and Clearance – Expert teams equipped with state-of-the-art technology to detect and safely remove UXO when necessary.

Unlike automated assessments, our expert-led evaluations ensure accuracy and reliability, helping you keep your projects on schedule and safe from unexpected UXO discoveries.

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