Yorkshire beach yields more practice munitions

Mappleton Beach, located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has once again become the site of a significant unexploded ordnance (UXO) discovery. Three practice bombs were reported by a dog walker and, in response, the Coast Guard quickly dispatched a military bomb squad to assess the situation. The 11 EOD Regiment (Royal Logistic Corps) attended the scene, safely disposing of the bombs through controlled detonations.

This discovery serves as a reminder of the persistent risks posed by UXOs in areas with a history of military activity. Mappleton Beach, with its connection to historic bombing ranges, continues to yield dangerous munitions. Understanding the nature of these munitions, their potential risks, and how to safely manage them is crucial for residents, businesses, and local authorities.

What are BDU-33 practice bombs?

The munitions found on Mappleton Beach appear to be BDU-33 practice bombs, commonly used by both the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF). The BDU-33 is a non-explosive ordnance designed to simulate a live bomb, specifically the MK 82 general-purpose bomb. These training devices are an essential part of military training, designed to closely replicate the flight and delivery behaviour of live munitions.

Weighing approximately 25lb (11kg), the BDU-33 is a small steel bomb equipped with a spotting charge that emits a signal upon impact. The spotting charge helps to identify the bomb’s landing site, making it easier for training personnel to evaluate the effectiveness of their bombing runs.

There are two types of signals that BDU-33 bombs can emit:

• Hot Signals: These use a phosphorous component that is expelled with a force comparable to a shotgun blast. Upon impact, it creates a brief but intense flash of flame, followed by white smoke. Hot signals are visible during both day and night.
• Cold Signals: These use titanium tetrachloride to produce a smoke signal upon impact. Cold signals only produce smoke and are less dramatic than hot signals.

While BDU-33 bombs are non-explosive by design, the spotting charges inside them still contain explosive compositions. This means that, despite being considered “practice” ordnance, these bombs still pose a potential risk and must be handled with caution.

Mappleton Beach: A UXO Hotspot

Mappleton Beach has a long and storied history as a site for unexploded ordnance. The beach and its intertidal zone were once home to a large Allied bombing range that was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) for nearly 40 years. From 1959 until 1998, RAF forces used the area as part of a 600-acre (240 ha) bombing range located along the coastlines of Cowden and Mappleton.

The range was used to train aircrews in bombing techniques, and various types of munitions were dropped during this period, including practice bombs, air-to-ground rockets, and air-to-air rockets. However, the range was eventually closed due to extreme coastal erosion, which made it increasingly unsafe for further military training. Despite the closure, the area remains a hotspot for UXO discovery, with historical remnants still surfacing on the beach and surrounding areas.

In 2012, Mappleton Beach witnessed its most significant UXO incident to date when a landslide uncovered around 1,000 unexploded items, highlighting the ongoing risks in the area. These items included various types of ordnance, from practice bombs to small yet still dangerous auto-cannon shells. With the risk of coastal erosion and shifting sands, further UXO discoveries are likely to occur.

We took an in-depth look at the history of RAF Cowden on our blog here.

The risks of unexploded munitions: a real and present danger

Unexploded ordnance, particularly practice bombs like the BDU-33, remains a significant danger in areas like Mappleton Beach. While these munitions are often small and non-lethal, they still contain explosive elements that can cause injury or even death if mishandled. The risks associated with UXOs are not just limited to the immediate area where they are found. The ongoing presence of these dangerous remnants of wartime activities can pose a hazard to local residents, workers, and visitors to the beach.

It is essential for individuals in the area to understand how to recognise and report suspected UXOs to ensure safety. If you encounter an object that could be an unexploded bomb, do not attempt to touch or move it. Instead, immediately contact the authorities and allow trained explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists to handle the situation.

UXO disposal: ensuring safety and risk mitigation

Brimstone UXO is a leading provider of unexploded ordnance risk management services. With extensive experience in the safe disposal of UXOs, we are fully licensed and equipped to handle munitions of all sizes and types. Our team is licensed to acquire and store explosives in two counties and has access to a 250kg explosive magazine for nationwide UXO disposal tasks.

At Brimstone, we provide comprehensive UXO risk mitigation services, including:

• Risk Assessments: We offer detailed UXO risk assessments to identify potential hazards on your site.
• Surveys and Investigations: Our team conducts thorough surveys to locate and assess UXOs, ensuring your site is safe.
• Disposal and Clearance: Our experts are trained in the safe disposal and clearance of UXOs, helping to reduce the risk of injury or damage to property.
• Consultation and Advice: We provide expert advice to help you manage UXO risks during construction projects, land redevelopment, or any other activities in potentially contaminated areas.

Unexploded ordnance continues to pose a significant risk in many parts of the UK, and Mappleton Beach serves as a stark reminder of this threat. At Brimstone UXO, we are committed to providing safe and efficient UXO disposal services to help mitigate these risks. Stay informed and ensure your projects remain safe by following us on social media, where we regularly post updates on UXO safety, risk management tips, and the latest news in the field.

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