WW1 Bomb Found Near St Issey During Rally Weekend
Historic Ordnance Discovered During Major Community Event
A significant piece of World War I history was uncovered in our corner of North Cornwall last month, prompting swift action from military specialists. The 18-pound British artillery projectile was discovered on Cannalidgey Road near St Issey on the evening of Saturday, May 23rd—coinciding with the busy Tredinnick Rally weekend that draws thousands of visitors to our region.
The discovery highlights how our rural communities remain connected to the echoes of the First World War. St Issey, nestled between the coastal attractions many visit when they go to Newquay and the quieter villages inland, sits on land that witnessed significant military activity over a century ago. The ordnance’s presence serves as a tangible reminder of the conflicts that shaped our nation.
When residents spotted the suspicious item, they immediately alerted authorities rather than attempting to investigate themselves—a decision that proved crucial. Devon and Cornwall Police responded promptly, recognising the potential danger and escalating the situation to specialist military personnel. The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team from HMNB Devonport in Plymouth were mobilised and arrived to secure and remove the explosive device safely.
How Local Authorities Kept Visitors and Residents Safe
The coordination between Devon and Cornwall Police and Royal Navy bomb disposal experts demonstrated the professionalism that keeps our communities secure. Officers were dispatched to Cannalidgey Road at approximately 9.10pm, with military specialists arriving to take control of the situation.
The entire operation was completed by just after midnight—a swift response that prevented any potential risk to the thousands of people attending the Tredinnick Rally and the wider St Issey community. The ordnance was carefully extracted and transported to a secure disposal facility near HMNB Devonport, where it was safely neutralised in a controlled environment.
This incident underscores why awareness and vigilance remain important across Cornwall. Whether you’re a local enjoying our beautiful countryside, a visitor exploring the areas around Fistral Beach or discovering what there is to do when you visit Newquay, it’s reassuring to know that our emergency services maintain high standards of preparedness. The Ministry of Defence specifically commended both the public’s alertness and the police’s swift action, emphasising that such vigilance helps keep everyone safe. For residents in rural areas particularly, this event serves as a reminder that reporting suspicious items immediately to authorities is always the right course of action.
What This Means for Our Community Going Forward
While discovering wartime ordnance may seem alarming, it’s relatively uncommon across Cornwall, and this incident resolved without incident or disruption to the major event happening simultaneously. However, it does raise awareness about the historical layers beneath our landscape. St Issey and surrounding villages have rich military heritage, and occasional discoveries like this are reminders of that past.
For those planning visits to the area—whether heading to the beaches around Newquay, exploring dog-friendly accommodation options to bring your pet, or enjoying walks where dogs are welcome on beaches—safety remains paramount. Our emergency services are well-equipped and trained to handle such situations. The swift response here demonstrates that infrastructure and expertise are in place.
Residents should continue reporting any suspicious items found locally to police immediately, rather than investigating independently. The discovery also invites reflection on our region’s history and the experiences of those who lived through wartime. If you’re interested in learning more about St Issey’s heritage, local historical societies and museums offer fascinating insights. Meanwhile, visitors should feel confident exploring our beautiful Cornish villages and coastlines—from family days out at dog-friendly beaches to cultural events like the Tredinnick Rally—knowing our community prioritises safety.
Source: War ordnance found near Cornish event attended by thousands
