First World War bomb found on air base
The 100-year-old device was discovered at the RAF College Cranwell
A bomb disposal squad was called after a 100-year-old device was found on an air base.
The 16lb First World War bomb was believed to date from around 1916 and was discovered by contractors working at the RAF College’s Cranwell Airfield in Lincolnshire.
An RAF bomb disposal team – 5131 Squadron – was called to detonate the device.
Deputy Commandant of RAF College Cranwell, Group Captain Gordon Bettington, said: “On discovery of the WW1 ordnance by contractors working on our airfield, we activated our contingency plans to deal with the incident.”
“We are now fascinated to learn more about the munition itself and the history of operations from the airfield.”
Personnel working nearby were evacuated as a precaution.
Warrant Officer Phil Hunt, of 5131 Squadron, said: “This was a WWI bomb and it took a few minutes to identify as it was a most unusual find.”
