HC Deb 01 March 1939 vol 344 cc1264-5
75. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with a German air bomb found on the beach at Salcombe, Devon; and whether he has received a report from the ordnance officers who ordered the bomb to be exploded?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

The bomb was about nine inches long, and weighed about three pounds. It was painted grey, and was in good condition. Its marking led to the suggestion that it was of German origin, but there is no certainty as to this. The bomb was considered to be dangerous, and was, accordingly, blown up.

Mr. Thorne

How does it come about that these German air bombs find their way on to our beaches, and what has become of your secret service?

Sir V. Warrenders

There is no proof of the origin of this bomb. How it got there is a matter of considerable mystery. One suggestion was that it had been washed up out of the sea, but I cannot think that that was an entirely satisfactory explanation.