Tradies discover suspected bomb behind Port Adelaide fireplace; WWII-era artifacts uncovered
Consensus Summary
Tradies renovating a Port Adelaide building discovered a mortar-like object resembling a bomb behind a fireplace about 3.30pm on Monday. Both 7NEWS and ABC report the object had fins and a circular base with an intact primer, leading to police and military involvement. The device was deemed non-military and non-explosive, with no risk to the public. ABC also connects the find to historical context, noting that such discoveries were common after WWII, with former mayor Gary Johanson recalling finding artillery shells as a child of seven or eight years old. The story highlights how WWII-era artifacts, including those from Squadron Leader Douglas Wills Sampson who enlisted in 1941 and participated in operations before June 6, 1944, remain hidden in homes across Australia. The public was advised to call 131 444 if encountering unexploded ordnance, emphasizing ongoing risks from leftover military items.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A mortar-like object resembling a bomb was found behind a fireplace in Port Adelaide about 3.30pm on Monday
- The object was described as having fins and a circular base, with its primer still intact
- Police were called to assess the device, and the Australian Defence Force was involved in its disposal
- The public was advised not to touch unexploded ordnance and to call 131 444 for assistance
- The device was ultimately determined to be an improvised mortar that was not of military origin and contained no explosive or detonation device
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The object was described as resembling a mortar, with fins and a circular base, and was found during renovations at a St Vincent Street property.
- The builders used crowbars and hammers to tear apart the fireplace, risking detonation if the bottom plate was hit hard enough.
- The device was transported to RAAF Edinburgh for safe disposal.
- Former mayor Gary Johanson recalled finding an artillery shell as a child of seven or eight years old in a dump near Grange, which led to police and army involvement.
- The story references a WWII RAF Squadron Leader Douglas Wills Sampson, who enlisted in 1941 and was involved in operations leading up to June 6, 1944.
- Sampson’s house contained rare WWII memorabilia, including footage of German soldiers at Normandy, a Japanese samurai sword, and a watch with uranium in its dial.
- Johanson mentioned that many soldiers brought back souvenirs from the world wars, including .303 rifles used by ex-servicemen in boats to scare off sharks.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- 7NEWS states the object was found during renovations at a St Vincent Street property, while ABC does not specify the exact street address.
Source Articles
Tradies stunned after finding suspected bomb hidden behind fireplace in Port Adelaide
‘We were using crowbars and hammers and all sorts to tear the fireplace apart. Pretty close call.’
Renovation tradie's fireplace bomb find sets off blasts from the past
Tradies were this week surprised to unearth a live mortar shell during renovations on a home in Port Adelaide, but a former mayor says such finds used to be commonplace, even in hard rubbish.
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