WWI Bombs Found In France

Today, on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, bomb disposal experts – sappers – are still digging up century-old shells in eastern France.

Last week, scuba divers plunged into the waters of the River Meuse to tie ropes around dozens of shells, so that a crane could drag them out.

In one day’s work, more than five tons of unexploded shells were discovered.

“We pull them out because there are bound to be people that leave the shells alone and never touch them because they know they are dangerous, but there are also people for whom it is their passion. And if these people know there are shells in a particular place they’ll say to themselves ‘well I’m going to check it out and maybe bring some back,'” Guy Momper, a sapper said.

There are at least 250 to 300 tons still buried in the fields of France – and it could be another century before they’re all dug out.

More than 10 million soldiers died in the First World War, which came to an end today in 1918.