Cheylesmore World War II bomb successfully detonated - The Coventry Observer

Cheylesmore World War II bomb successfully detonated

Coventry Editorial 23rd Sep, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A WORLD War II bomb that was discovered on Monday morning has been successfully detonated following 28 hours of work by the army’s specialist bomb disposal unit.

The bomb, weighing a ton in weight and measuring two metres in length, was one of the largest of its kind dropped by the Luftwaffe and is the largest World War II bomb discovered in the city for years.

An initial controlled explosion was due to take place at 1.30pm, however this was delayed due to complications.

An explosion was heard across the city late 10pm last night – a further controlled explosion took place just before 11pm.




Over 100 students – many of whom were embarking on their first week of university – were evacuated from their halls.

Multiple companies, including Bit10 – a web design agency – were also requested to leave their offices.


Oliver Copland, client support manager at Bit10, said: “We received communication from the technology park that an unexploded bomb had been discovered and we had to relocate our workers.

“All things considered, the day ran smoothly and no one, at any point, was in danger – those involved in the operation have done a fantastic job.

“A small number of employees have worked from home, some were moved to the Britannia Hotel.”

More to follow throughout the day.

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