What If You Discovered a Bomb Under Your Playground—What About 176 Others?

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Unearthing History: The Hidden Cache of World War Two Bombs in Wooler

For decades, generations of children have enjoyed the playground at Scotts Park in Wooler, Northumberland, unaware of a chilling secret buried beneath their feet: a cache of World War Two bombs. This intriguing discovery not only unveils a part of history but also raises questions about military practices during and after the war. As the story unfolds, it reveals the complexities of how historical artifacts like these can end up in unexpected places, even in beloved community parks.

The Unexpected Discovery

In January, Steven Parkinson, an employee tasked with installing new playground equipment, stumbled upon something unusual while digging at the park. His initial thought was that it looked suspiciously like a bomb. This led to a series of events that would captivate the local community and shed light on a hidden piece of Wooler's past.

Upon discovering the object, Steven contacted Kerren Rodgers, the clerk of Wooler Parish Council. The response was swift; the area was cordoned off, but both Steven and Kerren were left with more questions than answers. What was a bomb doing in a playground, and more importantly, how had it gone undetected for so long?

The Role of Local Authorities

Wooler councillor Mark Mather expressed a mix of excitement and concern upon visiting the site. The thrill of uncovering a potential piece of history was overshadowed by the anxiety of what they might find. A team from Catterick Garrison's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit confirmed that the object was indeed a World War Two bomb, but they initially believed it to be an isolated incident. Renovations proceeded, only to be interrupted again when yet another device was discovered.

Past Discoveries and the Importance of Safety Protocols

When it comes to ground excavation, it's common to unearth items from the past. Dallan Tan, a representative from the Association of Play Industries, shared stories of peculiar finds during playground installations, ranging from vintage whisky bottles to surprising artifacts like sex toys. However, the discovery of bombs was unprecedented. Today, organizations typically conduct thorough checks for historical military activities and perform dig tests or CAT scans. Yet, in the 1980s, when Scotts Park was initially established, safety standards were vastly different, leaving the community unaware of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Brimstone's Involvement

Following the initial discoveries, the decision was made to enlist the help of Brimstone, a specialized company known for safely removing wartime ordnance. Since its inception in 2016, Brimstone has removed over 200,000 items from various sites across the UK. Associate Director Adam Tanner noted that the initial examination involved careful hand digging around the first bomb, and over the course of two days, they unearthed 90 additional practice bombs. Although these bombs were not live, they still contained explosive charges.

Patterns of Disposal

The arrangement of the bombs—stacked in neat rows—suggested a deliberate burial rather than a random disposal. Speculation arose that these bombs could have been buried by the Home Guard, a British volunteer military organization active during the war, or possibly by regular soldiers who were stationed in the area.

Historical Context

Wooler served as a significant training area for military personnel during World War Two. Alan Sture from the Glendale Local History Society emphasized that there was a thriving ordnance depot nearby, with munitions arriving via the Alnwick to Cornhill railway line. Archive interviews with local residents from the war era confirm that heavy military presence and activity were commonplace in the area, further supporting the theory of military involvement in the burial of these bombs.

The Burden of Unwanted Ordnance

Weapons were stockpiled in vast quantities during the war, and the disposal of excess ordnance became a pressing issue. David Alexander, a professor of emergency planning and management at University College London, noted that millions of tonnes of unwanted munitions were scattered globally post-war. The chaotic aftermath of six years of conflict led to hasty disposal methods, often resulting in military items being buried rather than properly decommissioned.

Local Reactions and Historical Reflection

When the news broke about the bombs found in Wooler, reactions were varied. Colin Durward, who oversees Blyth Battery, a historical military site, expressed little surprise. He recounted stories shared by old soldiers about the items they buried at the end of the war, including mortars and vast quantities of ammunition. The buried bombs in Scotts Park are a stark reminder of the war's lasting impact and the remnants of history that can lie hidden in plain sight.

Community Impact and Future Safety

As the park prepares to reopen to the public, councillor Mark Mather reflected on the emotional turmoil surrounding the discovery. Having grown up playing in that very park, he felt a profound sense of relief knowing that the danger had been removed. The collective experience of unearthing this piece of history has transformed the community's understanding of their local environment and the hidden stories it holds.

Conclusion

The discovery of World War Two bombs in Scotts Park serves as a compelling narrative about the intersection of history, community, and safety. It underscores the importance of understanding our past, particularly in areas where military activity was once prevalent. As the park reopens, it invites us to reflect on the layers of history beneath our feet and the stories that remain untold. How many other hidden histories lie buried in our communities, waiting to be discovered?

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the discovery of the bombs in Wooler?

The bombs were discovered during the installation of new playground equipment when an employee noticed a suspicious object while digging.

Were the bombs found in Wooler live?

No, the bombs discovered were practice bombs used for training and were not live, though they did contain explosive charges.

Who is responsible for removing wartime ordnance?

Specialized companies like Brimstone are called upon to safely remove wartime ordnance, utilizing expert techniques to handle potentially dangerous items.

What can communities do to ensure safety during renovations?

Communities can implement thorough historical assessments and safety protocols, including ground scans and tests for potential military artifacts, before beginning any excavation work.

As we ponder the unexpected histories that may be hidden in our own neighborhoods, we must also consider how we can engage with and learn from these discoveries. What other secrets might lie beneath our feet? #History #CommunitySafety #WorldWarTwo

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