Stump grinder versus German tank shells.

[David Cropper]

Customer asked me today after grinding out a big yew stump, if I could grind some lilac by a wall. Took it steady as this area of vineyards has lots of stone in the ground. Took the tops off just below the surface, went a bit deeper then hit was I thought was a metal pipe. Reversed the grinder to inspect, to find the "pipe" was a 75mm German tank shell from WW2. Saw the rifling bands and immediately clicked. The client asked what it was, then galloped off. Had another look at the ground and found another. They weren't fused but probably still had the explosive in the casing. Found out that when the Germans withdrew they destroyed the nearby ammo depot. Contacted the Gendarmerie who then got onto the bomb disposal team. The client's son had a metal detector which we run over the top of the disturbed earth, indicating something else down there. Took the first two to the bottom of the garden to wait the disposal team. The grinder teeth really battered the first one's casing which gave me pause for thought!

[Stubby]

Oooeeer . Glad no one was hurt bud .

[Steve Bullman]

any pics?

[David Cropper]

any pics?

 

Yes, but I can never post them on my tablet only on the pc which is knackered. They were in really good condition seeing as they were in the ground 70 odd years.

[David Cropper]

Oooeeer . Glad no one was hurt bud .

 

Thanks, not as glad as I was!

[David Cropper]

Yes, but I can never post them on my tablet only on the pc which is knackered. They were in really good condition seeing as they were in the ground 70 odd years.

 

I've put them onto my Facebook page, David Cropper Stump Grinding Services if you want a look.

[arbmark]

Wowser. I guess the bomb disposal team will be able to let you know how close that was!! I went Wwoofing near you years ago. Did a fair bit of digging!!

I detect over most stumps now. Doesn't find everything but avoided a small nail bar last week.

[David Cropper]

Wowser. I guess the bomb disposal team will be able to let you know how close that was!! I went Wwoofing near you years ago. Did a fair bit of digging!!

I detect over most stumps now. Doesn't find everything but avoided a small nail bar last week.

I didn't wait for the bomb team, they're two hours away. Apparently there is only two teams throughout the whole of France which I find a bit disconcerting in these troubled times.

[felixthelogchopper]

You were lucky in that, being tank shells. they were likely to be solid shot armour piercing so didn't contain HE. There is a similar round stuck in the side of a church in St Lo. Bet it was a brown trouser moment though.

[Steve Bullman]

I didn't wait for the bomb team, they're two hours away. Apparently there is only two teams throughout the whole of France which I find a bit disconcerting in these troubled times.

 

 

Really? I find that hard to believe

 

 

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