Part of a British practice bomb has been discovered by a member of the public using a metal detector on a farm in Alkborough.

Officers from Humberside Police were dispatched to the scene. A Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal team later identified the object as a WW2 RAF training munition.

Alkborough Flats

The Alkborough Flats were used as a bombing range during World War 2. A number of airfields used the range, although it was mostly used by British crews based at RAF Elsham Wolds. The range consisted of a chalk marker and two observation posts positioned on a ridge overlooking the target.

There was a massive expansion of RAF Bomber Command and an influx of American bomber squadrons during the conflict. Consequently, many of these simple ranges were hastily established in the UK as temporary training grounds.

Practice bomb
An example of a complete raf practice bomb.

Wartime RAF Practice Bombs

RAF WW2 practice bombs are one of the most frequently encountered UXO types in the UK. They are often exhumed at historic Allied military airfields and former bombing ranges.

These devices were small and relatively insignificant and therefore any that did not function as designed were often not retrieved.

The flash type practice bombs contain a 1lb spotting charge. Although small, it is nevertheless an explosive and therefore potentially dangerous. The fill comprises a mixture of gunpowder and magnesium. On detonation, a brilliant white flash occurs.

In July 2017, Brimstone recovered 15 practice bombs during a Search and Clear operation at the former RAF Hucknall airfield.

Practice bomb
Brimstone’s practice bomb finds.

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