'Selfless' Royal Navy personnel who destroyed 100kg bomb found in Southsea Common handed highest honour
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Personnel safely disposed of more than 250 bombs and explosive devices in 12 months
Brave efforts by Royal Navy experts who destroyed a huge unexploded bomb found in Southsea Common have been awarded with the force’s highest humanitarian honour.
Bravo Squadron of the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group were presented with the Firmin Sword of Peace this week at HMNB Portsmouth. This was after safely disposing of more than 250 bombs, shells and explosive devices inside 12 months, including a 1000kg ordnance found during Southsea sea defence works.
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Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Brown said his men and women are expected to carry out a large variety of different missions, with their hard work having a big impact on the public. “The squadron’s work embodies the very spirit of the Firmin Sword of Peace: selfless service, protection of life, and humanitarian impact,” he added.
“At home and abroad, Bravo Squadron demonstrates courage, professionalism and compassion, standing as a genuine force for good. In combating a lethal explosive legacy, the squadron is eminently deserving of the award, recognising its extraordinary and enduring contribution to peace and public safety.”
Firmin’s Head of Operations Ian Smith presented the sword to the divers. The ceremony was taking place while personnel were hitting the headlines for dealing with a Second World War bomb discovered in Falmouth Harbour.
The Southsea Common bomb was discovered on December 3, 2024, by engineers working on the sea defences by Blue Reef Aquarium. Members of the public were evacuated shortly afterwards and a large cordon was placed around the area.
Bravo Squadron personnel, supported by police and Unexploded Ordnance Risk Mitigation Services, MACC International Ltd, floated the device out into the Solent and destroyed it. Divers and bomb disposal experts received the award for the squadron’s deeds in 2024, spanning some of the most high-profile bomb disposal tasks conducted in recent years.
As well as the Southsea Common operation, this included disposing of a 500kg Blitz bomb in Keyham, Plymouth, over a three day operation; dealing with more than 275 historic chemical weapons found on the Gower Peninsula west of Swansea, and blowing up old demolition charges left on the Pacific Island of Pitcarin which were due to degrade at any moment.
The 42-strong diving unit, split between Portsmouth and Devonport Naval Bases, is on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. Many of their call-outs are Military Assistance to Civilian Authorities (MACA) tasks, working alongside police and councils when old ordnances are discovered. In 2026, Bravo Squadron have completed 213 tasks, neutralising and destroying 51,066 items which included 283 IEDS.