Royal Navy disposes of WWII-era bomb in dramatic operation, prompting largest post-war evacuation in UK history
In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of wartime Britain, Plymouth witnessed an extraordinary operation as a historic Nazi bomb was detonated at sea, following an unparalleled evacuation effort since World War II.
Discovered earlier in the week by a local resident, the 500kg German-made SC-500 shell sent shockwaves through the Keyham area of Plymouth. The bomb’s unearthing triggered a mammoth evacuation operation involving over 10,000 residents, marking one of the largest peacetime evacuations in British history.
Under the watchful eyes of elite Royal Navy units, the bomb, measuring around one metre in length, was carefully extracted from its resting place and transported through the city to Torpoint Ferry slipway. From there, it was loaded onto a buoy-type vessel and towed out into the channel, where it met its final fate in a controlled detonation at 9:51 PM last night.
Residents, having endured days of uncertainty and disruption, were finally allowed to return to their homes following the successful disposal operation. However, the ordeal left many feeling frustrated, with some expressing concerns about potential damage and insurance coverage.
Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith of Devon and Cornwall Police expressed relief as he confirmed the safe disposal of the bomb, thanking residents for their patience and resilience throughout the ordeal.
The operation, described as “highly complex” by officials, involved meticulous planning and coordination among various emergency services and military personnel. Pictures from the nerve centre of the operation captured the tension as officers monitored the bomb’s journey in real time.
Despite the challenges and anxieties faced by residents, the successful disposal of the Nazi relic stands as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of the emergency responders involved. As Plymouth recovers from this extraordinary event, the city can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the threat of the decades-old bomb has been safely eliminated.
