Unexpected Discovery in Milford Haven: Decorative Garden Ornament Identified as Active Bomb

A couple had been using an old missile as a decorative piece in their garden until it was detonated by a bomb disposal team. Sian and Jeffrey Edwards, who live in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, believed the bomb was harmless and had no explosive charge. The Ministry of Defence revealed that the bomb weighed 64lb (29kg) and was a naval projectile. Mrs. Edwards even used to tap her garden tools on the bomb while gardening. However, the situation changed when a police officer came to their house one evening to inform them that the bomb had to be reported to the Ministry of Defence. The bomb squad was scheduled to arrive the next day, and the couple spent a sleepless night as they were told that their entire street might have to be evacuated. Mr. Edwards insisted that they would not leave their home and were prepared to face the consequences if the bomb went off. Ultimately, tests confirmed that the bomb was live but had a minimal charge. It was taken to a disused quarry, covered with sand, and detonated. Although Mr. Edwards was saddened by the bomb's destruction, he had been told about its history by the Morris family, who had owned the house previously. The bomb was found over 100 years ago by a relative of the Morris family on Broad Haven beach, where warships used to practice target shooting. It was placed upright in the front courtyard of the house and later sunk into concrete and painted red by the Edwards when they purchased the property in 1982. The bomb had stood there throughout two world wars. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the details of the disposal operation, which had been carried out in response to a report made by Dyfed-Powys Police.