Six years after the States first survey, then being warned to look deeper, assessment indicates unexploded bombs at Route Isabelle

Six years after the States first survey then being warned to look deeper assessment indicates unexploded bombs at Route Isabelle

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• A survey by 6 Alpha Associates has identified three anomalies at Route Isabelle.
• Initial assessments suggest these may be unexploded ordnance, but confirmation awaits full data analysis.
• The survey was commissioned by Home Affairs earlier this year after it was first told in 2020 to do more.
• The anomalies are approximately 8 metres underground, posing “no immediate risk” to the public.
• Regular updates will be provided to residents until the completion of the survey.

On 3rd March 1941 a Vickers Wellington dropped four bombs in the Route Isabelle area.

Each is believed by experts to be 1,000lb. One detonated on hard ground, but historical accounts reported that the other three went in deep and failed.

It was in 2019 that Home Affairs first commissioned a survey to look, but as an unobtrusive investigation that only went four metres deep, there has been a sustained belief that this was never likely to locate them.

What followed was a  sustained campaign by bomb disposal expert Ben Remfrey for a more thorough investigation, but faced with no action, he went public with his fears about the dangers being posed in October.

Eventually after discussions with Mr Remfrey, police and the UK Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs commissioned a survey by 6 Alpha Associates, which it reported today has uncovered three anomalies that may potentially be unexploded ordnance.

Confirmation will not be possible until the entire survey is completed and the collected data is fully analysed, the States said.

The identified anomalies are believed to lie at a depth of approximately 8 metres underground.

“In light of this depth, there is currently no immediate risk to surrounding residents or the public,” a States spokesperson said.

“The subsequent steps will be informed by professional advice and the analysis of results post-survey. Once the full report is prepared, it will be presented for review.”