| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK 09:46 - Oct 6 with 456 views | Steve_M |
Specifically how they deal with extant WWII ordnance.
https://www.theguardian.com/ne [Post edited 6 Oct 10:10]
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| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 14:47 - Oct 6 with 292 views | Double_Dutch |
During Covid, found time to research some of the military graves located in the New and Old Ipswich cemeteries and, this gentleman would fit very well with your subject heading of WW2 bomb disposal, Leslie Barefoot GC.
He served in both the First and Second World Wars. In the Second World War, he joined the Royal Engineers, working in bomb disposal. He was commissioned a Lieutenant on 15 March 1940, and was awarded the George Cross in 1940 "for most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner". The citation includes the following comments:
This officer dealt with and defused some of the first unexploded bombs in this country. In these early pioneer stages new types of bombs were constantly being found. Captain Barefoot was, therefore, responsible for the discovery of much new and valuable information. On July 28 he assisted Dr Merriman of London in experimenting on and afterwards defusing three unexploded bombs of a new shape at Great Yarmouth. By then Captain Barefoot had defused thirty or more such bombs of varying types and shapes. On the night of September 1 Captain Barefoot received information about unexploded bombs blocking the LNER main line. There were six live bombs in one place. This was a time when delayed-action time fuse bombs were much in use. In view of the importance of clearing the line at all costs, Captain Barefoot and his men deliberately ignored the safety period of four days then laid down. By 7am work was begun and continued without cessation in relays throughout the day. Captain Barefoot assisted personally in this remarkably expeditious operation, and by the evening the line had been cleared and at 6.40pm the first train was running. Normally this work would have taken a week to perform. Captain Barefoot worked on one of the first parachute magnetic mines dropped in this country. At the time we had very little knowledge of the mechanism of these mines, and much was learnt in these initial stages.
He was promoted Major in 1941 and returned to his architectural practice after the war. |  | | |
| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 15:08 - Oct 6 with 266 views | Steve_M |
| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 14:47 - Oct 6 by Double_Dutch |
During Covid, found time to research some of the military graves located in the New and Old Ipswich cemeteries and, this gentleman would fit very well with your subject heading of WW2 bomb disposal, Leslie Barefoot GC.
He served in both the First and Second World Wars. In the Second World War, he joined the Royal Engineers, working in bomb disposal. He was commissioned a Lieutenant on 15 March 1940, and was awarded the George Cross in 1940 "for most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner". The citation includes the following comments:
This officer dealt with and defused some of the first unexploded bombs in this country. In these early pioneer stages new types of bombs were constantly being found. Captain Barefoot was, therefore, responsible for the discovery of much new and valuable information. On July 28 he assisted Dr Merriman of London in experimenting on and afterwards defusing three unexploded bombs of a new shape at Great Yarmouth. By then Captain Barefoot had defused thirty or more such bombs of varying types and shapes. On the night of September 1 Captain Barefoot received information about unexploded bombs blocking the LNER main line. There were six live bombs in one place. This was a time when delayed-action time fuse bombs were much in use. In view of the importance of clearing the line at all costs, Captain Barefoot and his men deliberately ignored the safety period of four days then laid down. By 7am work was begun and continued without cessation in relays throughout the day. Captain Barefoot assisted personally in this remarkably expeditious operation, and by the evening the line had been cleared and at 6.40pm the first train was running. Normally this work would have taken a week to perform. Captain Barefoot worked on one of the first parachute magnetic mines dropped in this country. At the time we had very little knowledge of the mechanism of these mines, and much was learnt in these initial stages.
He was promoted Major in 1941 and returned to his architectural practice after the war. |
That's interesting, quite a useful covid-era diversion too. When did Barefoot die?
Was he killed by a bomb? The 10 weeks quoted in that article for the era made me expect that denouement to your post. | |
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| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 15:18 - Oct 6 with 250 views | Guthrum |
| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 15:08 - Oct 6 by Steve_M |
That's interesting, quite a useful covid-era diversion too. When did Barefoot die?
Was he killed by a bomb? The 10 weeks quoted in that article for the era made me expect that denouement to your post. |
Died in 1958 at the age of 71. Presumably not bomb-related.
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| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 15:24 - Oct 6 with 244 views | Double_Dutch |
| Really good Grauniad long read on bomb disposal in the UK on 15:08 - Oct 6 by Steve_M |
That's interesting, quite a useful covid-era diversion too. When did Barefoot die?
Was he killed by a bomb? The 10 weeks quoted in that article for the era made me expect that denouement to your post. |
He died 23-12-58, aged 71. He returned to his practice of an Architect following the war.
His wife, Amy, died 26-9-91.
Sorry Guthers, didn't see your reply. [Post edited 6 Oct 15:26]
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