In the heart of the Orlické Mountains, where the Czech Republic meets Poland, a routine metal detecting expedition by a 48-year-old father and his underage son has uncovered a significant historical discovery. During their activity, the pair managed to uncover an assortment of over 138 105 mm artillery shells, along with a set of 14 75 mm shells and five cartridge cases, all buried deep in a forest area. These findings, believed to date back to World War II, prompted an immediate and substantial response from local authorities, including the swift deployment of a bomb squad and a multi-day operation.
The father, who initially reported encountering an item resembling ammunition in the forest, described the find as both an unexpected and serious situation. His immediate alertness is credited with the safety and control of the hazardous materials. Police officials highlighted the importance of responsible behavior and public awareness in dealing with suspicious objects, warning against any attempts to handle, move, or examine them without proper training. Instead, they emphasize the need for immediate contact with law enforcement or specialist bomb technicians.
As the bomb disposal experts worked meticulously to secure and remove the items, the operation involved careful planning and coordination, with all the artillery shells transported to a secure facility in Ralsko, located near a former military airport. The authorities have expressed their gratitude for the father’s timely report, stressing the significance of citizen engagement in safety and security matters. Their public warning continues to remind the community about the dangers of encountering unexploded ordnance and the critical importance of following proper procedures.
This incident is part of a growing trend of historical and archaeological discoveries in the region, where other notable finds have also taken place. Just earlier this spring, hikers in the Czech Republic had discovered a cache of gold items, weighing fifteen pounds, and in Poland, a group of friends had unearthed a trove of WWII-era rockets, which included a range of ancient treasures. These archaeological events underscore the area’s rich historical legacy, with each find potentially revealing more about the past’s military and cultural history.