Lynchmere Common - Mortar Round Found

Excitement in the lane recently. But not quite the 'unexploded bomb' claimed in the local rag. So I feel the need to set the record slightly straight.

The Lynchmere commons were used extensively for army training in both the first and second wars when Canadian troops were based at nearby Bramshott Chase. As far as we can tell the training in the first war was primarily trench warfare and traces of these extensive practice trenches can still be found. During the second war the manoevres on the commons included tank training and again the Canadians were based at Bramshott Chase.


We have found remnants of old iron temporary roadways in one area of the commons, probably the result of practicing for D-day. It's not far from there that Hilary recently found a 2 inch mortar round. It looked in good condition and at first it seemed very hard to believe that it had lain there for over 60years.

Once we'd identified it as a potentially dangerous piece of ordnance Hilary called the police, and they said 'Sorry this has got nothing to do with us'. So we called the gas board, and they said 'Sorry.........' Well not quite the famous comedy sketch, but very nearly.

It was hard to get anyone to take it seriously and one suggestion was for us to 'pop down in the car with it' !

Once the police actually arrived, it only took about 20minutes for the bomb squad to be called and get here from Aldershot. They identified it as an expended 2 inch smoke/incendiary mortar round. Apparently its very hard to distinguish from an unexploded HE version. That would really spoil your day so they are not to be played with. Their advice was very firm and clear. If you find one, Leave it where it is, Don't pick it up, Tape off the area and call them out.