DEAR EDITOR, yesterday it was reported that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the RSIPF successfully carried out a ‘Render Safe Procedure’ with the removal of an un-exploded WW II shell that was considered uncommon and never before found in the Honiara central business area.
The size or shape of any item of ammunition does not indicate its potential danger. Quite small items can kill and maim if handled.
It must be remembered that explosives are unstable compounds that become more sensitive as they age.
Once again it has to be said that we all owe a great deal of gratitude to those officers of the EOD Team who yesterday, as in the past, when disposing of unexploded ordinance put their own lives at risk for our safety.
I say ‘thank you’ for your skilled handling of yesterday’s operation in rendering the potentially dangerous shell safe and for its prompt removal.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
