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U.S. WW2 phosphorous bomb explodes in Moselle

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by Skipper, Aug 13, 2014.

  1. Skipper

    Skipper Kommodore

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    A construction worker was wounded after a 50kilo Amercan phosphor bomb from WW2 exploded at Phillipebourg, Mosselle. The article is in Fench , so click on your translate option.

    http://orleans.ville.orange.fr/actu/region/moselle-une-bombe-au-phosphore-de-la-seconde-guerre-mondiale-explose-un-blesse-leger-87840.html

    Also note that it exploded due to a change of temperature. The firemen suggest to cover it with earth until the mining squat arrives, rather than manipulate it . Fortunately the many was only lightly wounded by a piece of the shell.
     
  2. gtblackwell

    gtblackwell Member Emeritus

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    Strange event after all these years but given the tonnage dropped I guess not. I am pretty amazed that a phosphorus bomb was still chemically active. I suppose the casing kept it so.

    Good to hear that no serious injuries resulted. It was a pretty gruesome weapon. I have a 3" Confederate projectile I found as a teen, brass sabot intact, and I believe to be a solid bolt. I should have the specific gravity checked. More than a few people have been injured drilling into Civil War projectiles to empty them, forgetting that frilling causes heat.

    Thanks, Skipper, interesting post.
     
  3. Poppy

    Poppy grasshopper

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    Pardon my french, but did it say if it was a bomb, or an artillery round? Did they use phosphorus air bombs- for smoke or fire? Just asking.
     
  4. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    Probably an M47A1 which contained 93lb of white phosphorous ( this bomb was mainly used prior to June 1944 ).
     
  5. Skipper

    Skipper Kommodore

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    Quite possible indeed although this would be related to 1944 combats, The area is near Metz .
     
  6. green slime

    green slime Member

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    Extremely fortunate.
     
  7. Alsa.se

    Alsa.se Member

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