An MOD bomb squad has destroyed multiple British WW1 artillery shells at the site of a new residential development.

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) was first encountered at the site back in June. This initial find (an artillery shell measuring 84mm x 295mm) was spotted in the bucket of a mechanical excavator.

A UXO risk assessment, carried out at an early stage, would have identified this risk and avoided delays to the project.

Ww1 artillery shells
A british ww1 18lb he shell
Ww1 artillery shells
A british ww1 18 pounder gun and ammunition

Where have these WW1 artillery shells come from?

In 1915 the War Office opened Park Hill Army Camp in Shropshire. By the end of the year 21,000 troops had arrived and training began in earnest.

The shell mentioned above weighed 18lbs. The ordnance, a QF 18 pounder artillery piece, was the standard British Empire field gun of WW1. It is therefore not surprising to find a shell of this vintage at an army camp established during WW1.

Risk Management Options

Unexploded ammunition finds, such as these shells, highlight the hazardous legacy at historic army camps and the need for risk management.  The only way to ensure the greatest chance of identifying historic military activity is by commissioning a Brimstone Stage 1 Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment.

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