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Unexploded World War II Bomb Discovered In A Garden In Plymouth, As Residents Return Home

Unexploded World War II bomb discovered in a garden in Plymouth, as residents return home. After days of upheaval triggered by the discovery of a World War Two bomb, thousands of Plymouth residents who were evacuated from their homes have finally returned.

Author:Camilo Wood
Reviewer:Elisa Mueller
Feb 25, 2024
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154K Views
Unexploded World War II bomb discovered in a garden in Plymouth, as residents return home. After days of upheaval triggered by the discovery of a World War Two bomb, thousands of Plymouth residents who were evacuated from their homes have finally returned. The discovery of the 500kg (1,102lb) bomb near Keyham necessitated the evacuation of over 10,000 individuals, with military vehicles transporting the unexploded device for disposal.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the bomb was successfully detonated at 21:51 GMT on Friday. Reflecting on the ordeal, one evacuated resident described the experience as challenging.
Jenny Dunn told reporters: "It's been challenging at times, but Keyham always comes together. The resources that were put in to help us residents was amazing. It was tough, but it was the best [the situation] could be."
The MoD stated that the discovery of the bomb in a garden triggered "one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations."
Elle Clarke, a resident who was reunited with her pets, expressed relief that the ordeal was finally over. Like numerous others, Ms. Clarke, who was directed to a leisure center, had to leave several pets behind in her home.
"It's been inconvenient, but I'm glad there's been a conclusion to the situation," she said. I was mainly concerned for the animals because this is their territory. We were more concerned for them than ourselves really. Sitting in suspension not knowing what is going on has been excruciating."
Joe Pearse, who lives in St Michael Avenue where the bomb was found, said: "We were told to grab everything you can because you might not have anything to come back to. So I got the pooch and grabbed what I could and left. I've just put a five-grand bathroom in and was expecting it to be blown up, so at least I've still got the house."
The World War II bomb beneath a rock
The World War II bomb beneath a rock
Mr. Pearse, who remained with his mother, mentioned that he is now engaged in a significant clean-up effort with his neighbors.
"I didn't know many of my neighbors before, but this has brought people closer," he said.
Bomb disposal experts worked tirelessly to evaluate the condition of the SC-500 air-dropped German bomb found in a garden on St. Michael Avenue. On Friday, a military convoy transported the unexploded bomb on a truck through a densely populated residential area to the Torpoint Ferry slipway, where it was subsequently disposed of at sea. The 300m (984ft) cordon placed along the route affected approximately 10,320 individuals and 1,219 properties.
Lt. Col. Rob Swan, present at the scene, detailed that before detonation, the bomb would be submerged to a depth of at least 14m (46ft), after which a diver would deploy a charge to ignite the explosive. On Friday at 5:32 PM GMT, Plymouth City Council announced that residents were cleared to return.
Plymouth Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the police were "right alongside communities as they get back to normal life."
"The success last night was amazing, but work continues today," he said. "We're visiting every house in the area just to ensure people are safe and sound."
Council leader Tudor Evans said: "I think it is fair to say that the last few days will go down in history for Plymouth."
I would like to express my thanks to all our personnel involved in this highly complex operation, who worked both night and day this week to keep the public safe and minimize the risk of damage, as well as the public for their patience and cooperation. The success of this operation is a testament to the level of skill and expertise across our armed forces, as well as the bravery and fortitude of our personnel when faced with high-risk situations and working under extreme pressure.- Defence Secretary Grant Shapps
Camilo Wood

Camilo Wood

Author
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing. Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers. Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Elisa Mueller

Elisa Mueller

Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film. She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide. With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth. Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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