(Just adding my latest to here guys)
Residents of London and its suburbs in 1940 faced many dangers , trials and privations. Death from the skies, sudden loss of friends and loved ones, accidents in the blackout, homelessness, food rationing, lack of sleep and the constant fear of what may confront them each morning following the previous nights air raid. On top of all this there was the danger from Unexploded bombs. Unexploded bombs had the potential to cause havoc.As well as the fear, anxiety and inconvenience the UXB caused they closed roads, railways, Gas, water works and factories vital to the War effort. The public need help.
Step forward the men of the Bomb Disposal Squads. These incredibly brave heroes of the home front risked their lives day after day to clear the streets, roads, railways and rooftops of these lethal time bombs. Learning as they went they had to keep up with the Germans who contrived new tricks and booby traps designed to kill members of the Bomb Disposal squads.
Here in a typical London suburb we see the BDS in action. On its discovery every UXB was rated by its location and what infastructure or industry it threatened. This rating decided its ranking in UXB's to be defused.Time was often of the essence as often these bombs could explode almost straight away while others were set to explode up to seventy two hours later.
The building has been propped by the BDS to stop it falling in on them during their work, the BDS often had to carry out repair or support work once they assessed the situation. Once the surrounding area had been made safe, the Bomb Disposal Officer would send others away from the excavation, no point risking more lives than they had to. During the operation a member of the team would be behind cover listening from a distance and would alert the officer if the clock started ticking.
The whole operation is carried out with the full co-operation with Police and ARP services who cordon off the area and keep the public away. The bomb is made safe and the public can go about their daily routine again.
Guys, I couldn't make this dio without featuring the two Tillys, but in reality no vehicles would be as near as this to the UXB for fear of vibration starting the clock again.
