Home   Malling   News   Article

Meet the military team who safely detonated Second World War bomb in Kings Hill

The British Army have shared footage of a German World War Two bomb being safely detonated after it was discovered in a Kings Hill building site.

The bomb, which was dropped by the enemy airforce, was found last week in Warwick Way, the site of a former wartime airfield, called RAF West Malling, with nearby streets sealed off for the controlled explosion.

Watch: The team who safely blow up wartime bombs

The expert military team have revealed how they disposed of the bomb, in an area surrounded by shops and people's homes.

Corporal Steven Sharp is in charge of the Maca Troop, 29 Group Support Unit, a team of eight which provides military aid to civilian authorities.

The squad used Hesco Bastion, typically employed for military fortifications and made out of collapsible wire mesh and heavy duty fabric liner to build a "mitigation structure" which surrounded the bomb.

Some 300 tonnes worth of sand was then poured into the Hesco Bastion.

Sergeant Paul Coney of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Order explained the bomb was a German World War Two SD 50 Bomb.

Team leader Corporal Steven Sharp of the Macca Troop, 29 Group Support Unit Picture: British Army
Team leader Corporal Steven Sharp of the Macca Troop, 29 Group Support Unit Picture: British Army

He said: "This area was heavily bombed during the war. This is the third bomb that has been found in this area in recent months.

"It's quite poignant, these things are still turning up all over the country. It's a good reminder of what happened all them years ago."

Because of the deteriorated state of the munition, it was decided the bomb would not be moved and detonation would happen on site.

Sgt Coney placed plastic explosive on the side of the bomb, before the team retreated to a safe distance and watched the explosion.

In September, a German Second World War 50Kg bomb was discovered on the same site.

In the summer another wartime munition was found in Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, with a controlled explosion carried out.

To read about the Armed Forces and how they have served Kent and beyond, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More