Original Associated Press Photograph of British Servicemen with Recovered German Bomb, Possibly South Shields, Second World War

Description

An original Associated Press wartime press photograph depicting six British servicemen posed beside a recovered German aerial bomb during the Second World War.

The photograph shows the substantial unexploded bomb lying in a field shortly after recovery, with the servicemen gathered around it for the press photographer. Images of this type were produced to document the continuing dangers posed by unexploded German ordnance following Luftwaffe attacks on Britain.

Whilst no original caption survives with the photograph, research undertaken during cataloguing suggests that the image may relate to the recovery of unexploded German bombs in the South Shields area. Contemporary records document a number of unexploded bombs being discovered in fields around the town following Luftwaffe raids against South Shields and the strategically important River Tyne. Several closely related photographs preserved within the same photographic archive appear to depict similar recovery operations.

If this identification is correct, the photograph would represent a contemporary record of the long-term consequences of the heavy German bombing campaign directed against South Shields. During the Second World War the town suffered repeated attacks owing to its importance as a shipbuilding, industrial and maritime centre, and unexploded ordnance remained a significant hazard long after individual raids had ended.

The image also illustrates the dangerous work undertaken by bomb disposal specialists and military personnel responsible for locating, securing and removing unexploded German bombs. Such operations were amongst the most hazardous duties carried out on the British Home Front.

An evocative and visually striking wartime photograph with strong military, Home Front and North-East historical interest.

From the photographic archive of the Shields Gazette, bearing the newspaper’s archive stamp to the reverse.

Condition

Very good condition. Minor edge wear and creasing.

Agency: Associated Press
Photographer: Not identified
Date: c.1940–1945
Size: 25.2 x 29.8 cm
Provenance: Shields Gazette Photographic Archive

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