World War II Mines Found at Guernsey

From the Feb. 14, 2012, BBC Guernsey News "World War II mines found at Pembroke Bay."

During World War II, German troops occupied the British island of Guernsey. Two WW II German mines were found. One was discovered last week by a dog walker and destroyed by Guernsey police officers trained in bomb disposal. (Kind of strange in these days of terrorists to still have to worry about 70-year-old ordnance.

Two other German anti-tank mines were found nearby. The Germans were preparing for an anticipated Allied attack. The one discovered Monday prooved impossible to remove and authorities will attempt to remove it next week.

During the war, Germans heavily mined Guernsey's coasts. In bad weather, some of the mines fell off their barricades into the water. These mines are still live and after 70 years in the water are unpredictable.

It is unusual to find three mines together which probably came off the same barricade. Strong tides have shifted sand and brought the mines to the top.

Also on Feb. 7th, a flooded World War II bunker was reopened on Guernsey.

Be Careful in the Water. --GreGen