UXO 101 Informational Brief

1940s Bomb and Shell Disposal Squads

Source – National Archives

Donated by Rick Stauber (U.S. Army EOD Retired)

1) When was the earliest concerted civilian lead effort by the DoD to clear UXO areas (i.e., WWII bombing, gunnery and training areas)?

2) Who conducted the clearance and who (i.e., what USACE District) managed / contracted the efforts?

TRIVA Questions

1940s- Bomb and Shell Disposal Units (multiple – at least 14 squads)

TSU (Detachment 14) Bomb and Shell Unit

Who, Where, and Policy

USACE LA District Engineers Laborers Local hired horsemen Prisoners

Locations: Camp Lockett, Ca Victorville Army Air Base, Ca Fort Huachuca, AZ Port Angeles, WA Camp Claiborne, LA Camp Wolters, TX Pueblo Precision Bombing Range, CO Camp Hale, CO

Policy Directives Surplus Real Estate Directive

(SPD) 4892-3 LA District 2364-3

Certificate of Clearance typically issued

Images

The following images are from reports found at the National Archives documenting the progress of Detachment 14 of the Bomb and Shell Disposal Squad

Images from 1946 – 1949 taken at various locations

Bomb and Shell Disposal Squad Det 14 Range Sweep

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

100lbs. GP Bomb HE filled

Preparing the Disposal Shot

A Disposal Shot

81mm Mortar Tail Fin

Unexploded Mortars

Unexploded Mortars and Mortar Debris

Aircraft Flare M26 Parachute

M38 Practice Bomb

M38 Practice Bomb

Victorville, CA UXO Search

Victorville, CA Target Circle

Victorville, CA Target

Victorville, CA Demolition Area

Victorville, CA Demolition Target “Y”

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