BOMB DISPOSAL

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 124, 29 May 1942, Page 6

BOMB DISPOSAL

Voluntary Army Unit In Training HAZARDOUS 7 TYPE OF WORK The formation of an Army bomb disposal group which will deal with all enemy unexploded or delayedaction aerial bombs and unexploded anti-aircraft shells was announced recently by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. He said that officers and n.c.o.’s from various parts of New Zealand were at present undergoing a special course of instruction under an instructor recently returned from abroad, where he received training in this highly specialized work. “Though much of the work of the group must remain secret,” said the Minister, “the general public should be familiar with their general field .of operations, so that should the necessity arise they will co-operate with the bomb disposal personnel in every possible way by quickly evacuating, when instructed to do so, dangerous areas for the period during which those areas are being made safe, and by reporting the location of any aerial bombs or unexploded anti-aircraft shells. The group may be recognized by a special badge worn on the cuff of the right sleeve, consisting of a flaming bomb on a blue-bordered background. This badge will give the wearers the right to enter all prohibited areas without question or delay so that they may proceed with the business of bomb disposal, and so quickly make safe any areas, the clearance of which would be vital to the war. effort. Markings on Vehicles. “Distinctive markings are also provided for bomb disposal group vehicles, which may be recognized by the large red flags they display. These vehicles should be regarded by the public much in the same light as a fire-engine and should always be given right of way. The vehicle may be carrying personnel and equipment to the scene of urgent work or may be taking a dangerous bomb to a safe site for disposal. In either case, unhindered passage of these vehicles is essential. “The personnel of the unit consists of selected volunteers, the majority being chemists, physicists, engineers, electricians and tunnellers, who will be trained for their special work. The training course at present being attended by bomb disposal group officers and N.C.O.’s is impressively practical. At the moment, for instance, they are training with actual live aerial bombs.

“The Government greatly appreciates the action of members of the bomb disposal group in voluntarily undertaking this hazardous type of work. They are rendering a vital service to the Dominion.”