The mine fuse incident is recalled in the “Torpedomen” by Rear Admiral Poland. A good book that does a lot to explain who Naval bomb disposal came to be. It was edited by my Late Father in Law Cdr G Gutteridge OBE who also served at HMS Vernon during this period and was decorated for the East India Docks Bomb in the 50’s.

At the time the fuse protected by a photocell which had already put paid to at least one team. The mine was tackled at night and during a thunderstorm. As the cover was removed a flash of lightening occurred but failed to generate enough light to operate the switch. The photocell and the main fuse were both recovered. The photocell under examination was found to have been scarred by the flash of lightening.

As an aside the early designs of bomb fuses were all recorded at the London Patents office before the war yet apparently no one thought to check until late in 1940!

In addition, all tools used by EOD teams were (and are) made of non-magnetic mateials to avoid setting off magnetic fuses.

COL Beausaber (whose company commander as Executive Officer of 9th Infantry Division Headquarters Company was an EOD Major)