Home   Sandwich   News   Article

Explosives experts missed opportunity to recover five wartime shells from Sandwich Bay

Explosives experts missed their chance to recover five wartime shells from Sandwich Bay, and will have to wait another week to try again.

Tony Ovenden, 59, from Ramsgate, discovered the bombs, likely to date from the Second World War, during a morning walk, on Saturday.

He reported them to the police, but by the time the Ministry of Defence’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had attended the scene, the shells had been covered over by the sea.

A total of five shells were found on Sandwich Bay. Picture: Tony Ovenden
A total of five shells were found on Sandwich Bay. Picture: Tony Ovenden

Mr Ovenden said: “I was following the debris trail towards the shore from the remains of the B17 Flying Fortress when I came across them.

“I am a coastal historian and a volunteer coastal warden for the North East Kent Marine Protection Area. I come across many things, and I do look out for historic artefacts.”

Police confirmed they were called at 9.30am on Saturday after a report five wartime shells had been found, and passed the matter to the coastguard.

One of the shells found on Sandwich Bay. Picture: Tony Ovenden
One of the shells found on Sandwich Bay. Picture: Tony Ovenden
Tony Ovenden took pictures of the shells
Tony Ovenden took pictures of the shells

A spokesman for the coastguard said: “When the EOD arrived there, they had been covered back up by the tide.

“At this point in time we are still unable to get to them and we are having to wait until a very low tide. We’re expecting that to be on Friday, May 6.”

The coastguard would not comment on the risk to the public.

Mr Ovenden said if they are safe, he would like to collect them at a later date.

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