Second World War unexploded shell detonated at Essex beach

Jack Day, 26, from Basildon, and partner Erin Fortey, 20, found the object when they were walking on the beach in Walton. 

Jack said: “Not even ten minutes into our walk, my partner found this metal object.

Bomb - The bomb was used during WWII (Image: Peter Appleton)

“When I saw it, I said don’t drop it. I had an idea on what it was and took it from her. 

“I placed it back down on the beach and rang my dad who was in the military, and he said it looked like a two-inch mortar round and told me to call either the coastguard or police.

“We decided to call the police as we didn’t really know what to do.” 

Secured - The HM Coastguard and MOD staff detonated the bomb safely (Image: Charlie Inskip)

Police told the couple to set up a perimeter around the area and keep other beachgoers away for safety. 

Jack said: “Annoyingly, it didn’t stop a 40-50 year old man who was doing metal detecting and he was adamant it wasn’t an explosive – he proceeded to hit the object with his metal spade.” 

When the police arrived, he claims officers said there was nothing to be concerned about. 

When Jack told them of his suspicions, he says he was “laughed at”.  

Crater - The crater that was left after the detonation at the beach (Image: Jack Day)

He said: “The fact that the police didn’t inform the coastguard or MoD is just mad. We spent the day trying to get it sorted. The last thing I wanted was it to go off and kill a kid or someone.” 

Peter Appleton, 58, from Frinton, saw a report about the object posted on Facebook. 

The militaria enthusiast also identified it as a mortar shell. 

The next day, he went to the beach to see if it was still there. 
Couple - Jack Day and partner Erin Fortey found the mortar shell in Walton (Image: Jack Day)

He said: “I was interested to learn that the item had been dismissed as safe and left on the beach, despite protests from the original finder. 

“I have been collecting militaria for many years and recognised the item as a Second World War two-inch mortar.” 

“Following a 20-minute search, I spotted the item laying in a rockpool and was able to identify it correctly.” 
 

Expert - Peter Appleton is a keen collector of militaria and identified the two-inch mortar (Image: Peter Appleton)

Realising the potential danger, he informed the coastguard, who went to the scene. 

“After further examination, the ordnance was reported to the bomb disposal team in Colchester,” said Mr Appleton. 

“The ordnance was made safe with a controlled explosion early on Sunday afternoon.”