Army called in as mortar bomb discovered in Swanage

A member of the public got a surprise when they accidentally dug up unexploded World War Two ordnance at Swanage Pitch and Putt.

Rather than a round of golf, the mortar round was discovered on the green just off Victoria Avenue, next to King George’s playing field on Saturday 27th February 2021.

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Swanage Pitch and Putt is an 18 hole course, set in 16 acres of land, not far from the centre of town, that was subjected to a number of bombing raids during World War Two between 1940 and 1944, causing considerable damage and loss of life.

Swanage pitch and putt
Swanage pitch and putt

“WW2 three inch mortar round”

Realising the potential danger, the police were called, alongside the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Purbeck Police reported:

“An eventful night in Swanage – we were called to an incident at the pitch and putt on Victoria Avenue where a member of the public discovered a WW2 three inch mortar round.

“The area was cordoned off and the army EOD team tasked. Upon their arrival, the mortar round was inspected and later removed for safe disposal.”

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