There was an excellent article on this in a recent copy of the magazine
"Descent"
I don't have it to hand at the moment but can forward the reference if you
need it.
Regards
David
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bernard Moore" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 1:21 PM
Subject: [MINING-HISTORY] Fauld Gypsum Mines - Midlands
> Dear All,
>
> During WW2 a part of the above mines was used as a large ammunition dump.
A
> very large explosion took place in approx. 1943/44 that destroyed 3 farms
at
> least, a church, and caused much other devastation over a very large area.
>
> The mine workings today are a few miles away from the old area, but it is
> believed that munitions may still remain in those parts of the workings
that
> were not affected by the main blast. Indeed the workings that survived the
> blast were sealed, and no-one has ventured into them since.
>
> The loss of life was apparently 'significant', but being wartime the whole
> event was hushed up (a big bang is quite difficult to keep quiet really
isn't
> it!). There were apparently a large number of Italian POW's in the area at
> the time, and sabotage was suspected, though a mishap is thought to have
been
> the real cause. I am told that the numbers killed in the event was never
> ascertained.
>
> I had not heard of this event before today, and was told about it from
> someone who lives in the area (and their descendants before), so there
must
> be some accuracy in it. Has anyone else heard of all this?
>
> Regards, Bernard
>
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