MoD confirms exact nature of 500kg Nazi bomb that sparked Plymouth evacuation

24 February 2024 , 11:32

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The WW2 bomb was detonated at sea (Image: PA)

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the exact nature of a Second World War bomb that forced thousands of people to evacuate in Plymouth this week.

A spokeswoman said the weapon was an aid-dropped German bomb from WW2 - designated SC-500 - and posed a significant risk to public safety. The MoD confirmed the bomb was "detonated successfully at 9.51pm" on Friday.

The explosive was found in a back garden on Tuesday and prompted "one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations". Around 30 of the armed forces' most experienced bomb disposal specialists worked around the clock to assess the condition of the device since it was discovered in St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area of Plymouth.

Residents were asked to leave the area after the bomb was found (PA)

On Friday, a military convoy carried the unexploded bomb on the back of a truck from the garden through a densely populated residential area to Torpoint Ferry slipway, where it was taken out to sea. Around 10,320 people and 1,219 properties were affected by the 300m cordon placed along the route.

More than 100 personnel from the British Army and Royal Navy, including bomb disposal experts, were involved in the complex operation along with Plymouth City Council officials, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police and members of the armed forces, to ensure the device was removed and people were safe.

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The scare saw 1,200 homes evacuated (PA)

Lt Colonel Rob Swan, who was at the scene, explained before the detonation that the bomb would be taken to a depth of at least 14 metres before a diver would place a donor charge on the bomb to ignite the explosive. On Friday at 5.32pm, town hall chiefs declared the operation a "success" telling residents: "You can now return to your homes in Keyham."

Police and bomb disposal experts at the scene near St Michael Avenue, Plymouth (PA)

Tudor Evans, the leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "I think it is fair to say that the last few days will go down in history for Plymouth." Defence Secretary Grant Shapps thanked the personnel who had been involved in the "highly complex operation".

Mr Shapps said: "I would like to express my thanks to all our personnel involved in this highly complex operation, who worked both night and day this week to keep the public safe and minimise the risk of damage, as well as the public for their patience and cooperation. The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill and expertise across our armed forces, as well as the bravery and fortitude of our personnel when faced with high-risk situations and working under extreme pressure."

Chiara Fiorillo