World War II bomb dropped on Tynemouth returns after restoration

An unexploded and deactivated bomb that was dropped on Tynemouth during the Second World War has returned to the coast following restoration.

The 2000lb bomb fell on the coastal town in April 1941 but, thankfully, failed to detonate. It did, however, damage the track between Tynemouth and Cullercoats and created a hole approximately 3'6" in diameter.

Once deactivated the bomb was displayed to raise funds for the Tynemouth War Needs Fund.

The WW2 relic had become weather-worn after more than 83 years of exposure to the elements. And after restoration it has returned to pride of place at the Tynemouth Castle Inn. Carrying out the work at no cost, Monitor Coatings restored the bomb.

Tom Nicholson of Monitor Coatings said: “It has been an interesting project to give the old bomb casing a bit of TLC and with it set to be used as a fundraising tool for good causes, including veterans’ charities, we were happy to donate our time and skills to make this happen.

“We were very conscious that it needed to be preserved but in such a way that it didn’t lose any of its story. We didn’t want to make it look brand new, but also wanted to protect it from salt in the air and other extremes that it faces sitting on the coast and I think that we have been able to achieve that."

Now back at the Tynemouth Castle Inn, an interpretation board detailing the history of the bomb will be installed in the coming weeks, along with a collection box which will work in tandem with The Inn Collection Group’s Give Inn Back fund to raise money for donation for local good causes.

Jason Milburn, general manager at The Tynemouth Castle Inn added: “There has been a lot of interest in the bomb since we reopened, with questions about where it was and what was happening to it coming almost daily”

“We’re delighted to have it back on site and are hugely grateful to Tom and his team for doing such an amazing job on improving its appearance and making sure it is protected for the future.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we will be adding an information board to explain its history and why it's still here and the donation box so that it can return to being a tool for public good in Tynemouth.”