WWII bombs, anti-aircraft shell found in old well at Qrendi Local Council premises

World War II-era munitions were discovered inside an old well at the Qrendi Local Council office yesterday morning.

The surprising haul consisted of some anti-personnel ‘butterfly bombs,’ a 3.7 inch anti-aircraft gun shell, an old bayonet and two vintage rum clay bottles.

The hidden stash was found by Water Service Corporation workers during dewatering and cleaning operation.

The munitions were disposed of by the army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.

The Qrendi Local Council wrote on Facebook: “The Qrendi Local Council wishes to thank the Water Service Corporation for their esteemed help in the dewatering and cleaning of the council’s well located within its administration block, and where during the morning’s work two WW II anti-personnel butterfly bombs and a 3.7” AA shell were retrieved.

“A WW I Bayonet and two vintage rum clay bottles were also recovered. The Qrendi Local Council wishes to take the opportunity of heartily thanking the Water Services Corporation Manager Josef Debono, Deep servers Team Leader Salvu Muscat, Emanuel Sciberras, Joe Camilleri, Lawrence Azzopardi and Alfred Sciberras.

The council wishes to thank Mario Manicaro for his assistance in the dewatering of the well by means of a vacuum bowers and the removal of silt accumulated over the past sixty year.”

“Special Mention goes to the Commander Armed Forces of Malta, as well as the Explosive Ordinance disposal Officials for their prompt action and most professional disposal of the WW II ordinance, after having first and foremost ensured public safety.”