The Fauld Explosion: A Tragic Chapter in Hanbury’s History
On the morning of November 27, 1944, a catastrophic event unfolded in the small village of Hanbury, near Burton upon Trent, forever etching the name “Fauld” into the history books. The Fauld Explosion, one of the most devastating munitions explosions in British history, occurred at the Royal Army Ordnance Depot (RAOD), located at Fauld, on the outskirts of the village. This tragic disaster not only claimed the lives of dozens but also changed the landscape of the area forever.
What Caused the Fauld Explosion?
The explosion was triggered at the munitions depot, which housed a vast stockpile of bombs, shells, and explosives during World War II. The cause of the explosion remains a subject of debate, but it is widely believed that the initial spark came from a fire or some form of detonation within one of the underground bunkers at the depot. These bunkers, built to store munitions in a safe and secure environment, were constructed deep beneath the earth, making them relatively protected from bombings during the war. However, the stored munitions were highly volatile, and once ignited, the explosion was bound to be catastrophic.
At 12:40 PM, the depot exploded with such force that it could be heard up to 20 miles away. The blast was so powerful that it caused the ground to shake, leaving behind a large crater and destroying much of the surrounding area. The explosion completely demolished the depot and sent debris scattering over miles of countryside. The blast itself was felt as far away as Birmingham, and the resulting firestorm continued for hours. The damage from the explosion reached as far as 10 miles from the site, causing devastation in nearby villages and towns. Buildings were damaged or destroyed, and windows were shattered in areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the depot. Even structures as far as 6 miles away in Burton upon Trent suffered significant damage.
The Human Cost
The human toll was immense. 70 people were officially confirmed dead, though some estimates suggest that the true number could be higher. Tragically, many of the victims were civilian workers, while others were soldiers stationed at the depot. Due to the nature of the explosion, many bodies were never recovered, and the destruction left no trace of the depot. Entire families were also affected, with several homes in Hanbury and nearby villages being destroyed.
In the aftermath, the Royal Air Force undertook a large-scale cleanup operation, and the site was left largely abandoned. Investigations into the cause of the explosion were conducted, but no conclusive reasons were determined, and the full details of what caused the disaster remain shrouded in mystery.
What Can You See Today?
Today, there are very few visible remnants of the Fauld Explosion. The site of the former depot is now a peaceful, rural area, with little to indicate the horrific events that transpired there. However, if you visit the Fauld area, you can still find some signs of the past. The area where the munitions depot once stood has now returned to its natural state.
In Hanbury itself, there is a small memorial to the victims of the explosion. It serves as a sombre reminder of the lives lost and the destruction that took place. For those interested in history, the memorial is a quiet spot to reflect on the scale of the tragedy.
For those keen to explore the area further, there is a walk that takes you around the site, offering a chance to reflect on the history of the explosion and the surrounding landscape. You can pick up a walk map at The Cock Inn in Hanbury, a welcoming pub that’s a perfect spot to grab a fabulous lunch after your walk. The Cock Inn offers delicious meals, making it a great place to unwind and discuss the history of the area with locals or fellow visitors.
The area surrounding the explosion site has also been transformed over the years. The vast crater left by the explosion has long since filled with flora and fauna, and the land has returned to its rural use. However, there are still accounts from locals who recall hearing the deafening noise of the blast, and the event remains a key part of the area’s wartime history.
Though the Fauld Explosion is not widely known to the public today, it remains an important event in the history of the area, and its memory lives on in the stories told by locals and through historical records. If you’re interested in learning more about this tragic moment in history, visiting Hanbury and the surrounding areas offers a chance to reflect on the resilience of the community and the legacy of the Fauld Explosion.
