RAF Fauld

RAF Fauld was a Royal Air Force ammunition depot located near the village of Fauld, Staffordshire, England, during World War II. It is primarily known for the catastrophic explosion that occurred on November 27, 1944, considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The explosion resulted from the accidental detonation of an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 tons of high explosives, primarily bombs.

The depot was used to store a massive quantity of bombs, shells, and other munitions intended for use in the war effort. The exact cause of the explosion remains debated, with theories ranging from a faulty detonator to improper handling of the explosives. Official inquiries pointed to a combination of human error and unsafe practices.

The resulting blast created a large crater, approximately 100 meters deep and 250 meters wide, which is still visible today. The explosion and subsequent fires destroyed the depot and surrounding area, including a nearby farm and reservoir.

The event resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from 70 to over 80 fatalities, including RAF personnel, Italian prisoners of war who were working at the depot, and civilians in the surrounding area. Many more were injured.

The RAF Fauld explosion had a profound impact on the local community and led to significant changes in safety procedures for handling and storing munitions in the UK. The site is now a memorial to those who lost their lives and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in handling large quantities of explosives. The area around the crater remains restricted due to unexploded ordnance still buried underground.