WWII grenade 'safely detonated' after being spotted on Isles of Scilly

A Royal Navy helicopter was called in on Tuesday evening (27 August) to the island of St Martin's

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 29th Aug 2024

A World War II grenade has been safely detonated after being spotted on a beach on the Isles of Scilly.

A Royal Navy helicopter was called in on Tuesday evening (27 August) to the island of St Martin's - as well as the explosive disposal team from Plymouth.

It's believe to date from the 1940s.

On social media, RNAS Culdrose said: "A Royal Navy helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was called in to help after the discovery of a possible Second World War grenade on the Isles of Scilly yesterday.

"Police and coastguards had been alerted at around 7.15pm on Tuesday on the island of St Martin’s, after the object was discovered on a beach.

"They in turn requested the assistance of the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts from Plymouth.

"RNAS Culdrose’s Merlin Helicopter Force was asked to transport the team to the islands as soon as possible.

"All three Merlin squadrons were taking part in night-flying training sorties yesterday evening and so a crew from 820 Naval Air Squadron was asked to transport the team.

"The coastguard cleared a landing area in a field on St Martin’s and the Culdrose aviators quickly dropped off the bomb disposal team before continuing with their training flight.

"It was reported to the BBC by coastguards that the grenade is believed to date from the 1940s. The object was destroyed in a controlled explosion.

"The helicopter called back to the islands, around an hour and a half later, to bring the team back to RNAS Culdrose."

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