Wwii German Incendiary Bomb

[Henry1865]

A German who believes he knows all about bombs is disputing my account of the dismantling of an unexploded German incendiary bomb, ca 1941. Are there any exposives experts out there who could comment?

[Hymie]

Here's what Google's AI has to say on the subject:-

 

Defusing WWII German incendiary bombs, like the B1E 1kg bomb which used thermite and magnesium, is a complex and dangerous process handled by trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. These bombs, dropped in large quantities, were designed to start fires and mark targets for heavier bombs. Defusing involves careful assessment, stabilization, and ultimately, controlled disposal of the explosive material, often through detonation in a safe location.

 

Elaboration:

Safety First:

The primary concern is ensuring the safety of the public and the EOD team. This involves a thorough risk assessment, including the type of bomb, its condition, and the surrounding environment. 

 

Bomb Identification:

EOD teams need to identify the type of bomb they're dealing with, as different models have different triggers and explosive materials. 

 

Stabilization:

If the bomb is unstable or likely to be disturbed, it may need to be stabilized before any defusing procedures can begin

 

Defusing Techniques:

Defusing methods vary depending on the type of bomb and its fuse. This may involve removing the fuse, cutting wires, or using specialized tools to disable the detonation mechanisms. 

 

Controlled Detonation:

In some cases, especially with larger or unstable bombs, controlled detonation may be the safest way to neutralize the threat. 

 

Post-Defusing:

Once the bomb has been defused or detonated, the area needs to be assessed for any remaining hazards and debris. The site is then cleared and made safe for re-use. 

[Henry1865]

Thanks Hymie. You will find the following hard to believe - indeed it is a miracle I'm still here.

I was with my elder brother around 1941, and after one of our regular school holiday visits to Exhibition Road in London and a tour of the museums and the fascinating Imperial Institute we wandered into Kensington Gardens where he found an uneploded incendiary bomb. He brought it home on the No 52 bus under his brown Harris jacket and next day we started to dismantle it outside our house back door.

First the top was unscrewed then black powder was emptied out and using Dad's long thin screwdriver a detonator was prised out.

The powder was scrunched up in newspaper, put on an enamel saucer and set light to. It went up with a huge whoosh and sent the chickens into a frenzy.

Hard to understand was that our Dad who was a sensible man with a reponsible job, who moreover was an ARP (Air Raid Precautions) warden saw us doing this but didn't stop us. 

Therafter I have no memories until VE night when we had our celebratory bonfire in an old copper (metal vessel used for boilng clothes on washing day). Believing that the bomb had been neutalised, Dad tossed it onto the fire. It exploded, not too violently and threw out burning material, some of which burned my back, but not severely. That put an end to our celebration.

My account is challenged because the German believes that the bomb would not have had black powder in it. But if not, where would it have come from? He suggested, a firework - in wartime???

The bomb is probably still in the garden of where it was buried in London NW10.