Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2015.
In a shocking turn of events, a woman in Back Hill found herself under police protection after an unexpected discovery of an unexploded bomb nestled within an old fruit tree in her garden.
Christine Battersby had sought the help of a specialist to remove a decaying apple tree from her residence. As the tree cutter descended to the trunk, a startling find unfolded – a hand grenade. Quick to act, the specialist immediately alerted the authorities, prompting a swift police response.
Recalling the incident, Mrs. Battersby emphasized the calm demeanor of the specialist and the rapid arrival of law enforcement. The ancient tree, potentially part of a monastic orchard due to Back Hill’s historical abundance of fruit trees, had been lifeless for several years, prompting Mrs. Battersby’s decision for its removal. The deliberate placement of the grenade within the tree raised intriguing questions about its origin.
Glen Conway from Haddenham had nearly completed the tree removal when he stumbled upon the unexploded bomb nestled in a hollow at the tree’s base. Responding promptly to the discovery, the police cordoned off the area, urging the public to avoid the vicinity or stay indoors.
Colchester’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit swiftly dispatched experts to handle the potentially dangerous situation. As a precautionary measure, sandbags were strategically placed around the tree overnight before safely disposing of the grenade the following morning at around 8 am.
The revelation of the bomb’s presence prompted the authorities to provide police protection for the night. This precaution aimed to prevent bounty hunters from attempting to seize what could be considered a piece of wartime treasure.
Expressing gratitude, a police spokesperson extended thanks to Jewsons, Ely, for supplying the materials to secure the area. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, a specialized division of the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps, played a crucial role in managing the unexploded bomb.
Established after World War II, the EOD Regiment is tasked with counter-terrorist disposal and ensuring the safe recovery or disposal of conventional munitions. With units strategically positioned across the UK, the regiment ensures a rapid and nationwide response to support law enforcement.
In addition to their national duties, the EOD Regiment provides high-threat bomb disposal teams in Afghanistan and safeguards the storage and usage of military ammunition and explosives.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of historical events, underscoring the importance of specialized units in addressing unforeseen dangers from the past and ensuring the safety of local communities.
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