The History Behind the Newtownards Unexploded Bomb
Introduction
On the 20th August 2024 a German 500kg Unexploded Bomb (UXB) was destroyed during a controlled explosion in Newtownards, County Down.
The device was detonated at 15.38pm by members of the Army’s 321 EOD & Search Squadron.
The SC 500 bomb was discovered on the 16th August at a residential development in Rivenwood. More than 400 homes were evacuated prior to the operation.
Local residents expressed surprise at the discovery. “These residents are in shock” said Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, “nobody expected this phase of the development to reveal a very large German bomb from the Second World War and this has led to a lot of uncertainty”.
Whilst unexpected, the discovery of a German UXB in Newtownards can be understood when placed into historical context.
The Bombing of Newtownards in WWII
Located just ten kilometres east of Belfast, Newtownards was situated in an area that was vulnerable to overspill from the ‘Belfast Blitz’.
This comprised a series of four heavy air raids in April and May 1941. Hundreds of Luftwaffe bombers dropped payloads of High Explosive (HE) bombs and Incendiary Bombs (IBs) on Belfast and its surrounding towns. 1,300No. houses were completely demolished as a result of these raids, with another 5,000No. being badly damaged.
Newtownards was specifically targeted on the night of the 15th – 16th April 1941. German bombers were sent to attack the nearby Royal Air Force (RAF) Newtownards, which was being used as a flying training base by No. 231 Squadron. It had been identified by Luftwaffe reconnaissance aircraft several months prior.
An analysis of historical records reveals the nature of the bombing that followed. An initial intelligence summary report dated the 16th April indicates that multiple HE bombs and IBs were dropped on RAF Newtownards, with at least one nearby house receiving fire damage.
A more detailed account recorded by the War Diary of the 7th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers reveals that further bombs fell on the outskirts of the town at Scrabo Hill.
Looking at modern satellite imagery, we can understand how Luftwaffe bombers approached Newtownards from the southwest, flying north-eastwards towards the airfield and beyond, likely jettisoning any unused bombs as they disengaged.
Whilst damage at RAF Newtownards was relatively light, the headquarters of ‘A’ Company, 70th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was hit, destroying at least twelve Nissan huts.
A secondary intelligence summary issued on the 17th April reported the presence of UXBs in the town, amongst other locations.
83 years later, one such 500kg UXB was discovered at Rivenwood, just two kilometres northeast of former RAF Newtownards.
Conclusion: Historical Research Matters
Historical research is an essential part in understanding whether a UXO hazard may be present on a site. By analysing records such as those shown in this article, we can begin to obtain the knowledge necessary to provide a thorough UXO risk assessment.
Regional bomb lists, war diaries, bomb maps, and aerial photographs can be used to build a picture of a site’s history, and provide day-to-day detail on bombing raids, military operations, and other activities that may provide a potential source of UXO hazard.
It is critical that multiple sources of information are consulted to ensure corroboration of records. By visiting local and national archives, libraries and local authority offices it is possible to obtain a high level of confidence in the final risk assessment.
Are you developing a site and need help understanding the UXO hazard? Or would you like to order a copy of our ZeticaUXO handbook? Get in touch today via: UXO@Zetica.com.
