4000lb bomb
 

Hello everyone
I’m interested in knowing what happened to unexploded bombs found inside crashed allied bombers. An aircraft I’m researching crashed relatively near to a Luftwaffe airfield (Langendiebach Hanau) in early January 1945. According to the skipper, the wreckage still contained a 4000lb bomb, four 1000lb bombs and multiple target indicators.
Did the Luftwaffe have a separate division for handling/deactivating/storing these enormous bomb loads? Are there any sources of Luftwaffe documentation relating to bomb retrieval?
Many thanks in advance for any pointers.
Neil

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

First, actual documents are hard to find. The organization of bomb disposal units was complex and changed as the war progressed. Later in the war, the Americans had added time-delay fuses to their bombs along with a motion detonator which would go into operation if the bomb was moved/rolled. However, like hand grenades, American bombs had pins in them that had to be removed before the actual drop. No sense in crashing without the pins still in the bombs.

Examine the following, especially the last two blocks (scroll down):


http://www.bombfuzecollectorsnet.com/page22.htm



Ed

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

I have a german wartime manual for defusing allied bombs.

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

Can you provide the title? I have also heard of a late-war bomb disposal manual used by the British for deactivating very large German bombs.




Ed

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

Here is a book that appears to be relevant:


https://www.amazon.com/Sprengkommand.../dp/3879437173


And since no description was given, a look inside from another forum:

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/thread...prengkommandos


It is interesting to see a British rolling water bomb on land.





Usual disclaimer,
Ed

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

hwre is is

.

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

Thank you, Snautzer.





Ed

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

Cheers guys for the pictures and links. Lots to keep me going.
Many thanks
NM

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

I can mail it to you,

Re: 4000lb bomb
 

That's OK. I do appreciate the offer.




Ed