That Wasn’t Thunder: SAF Successfully Clears 250kg WWII Bomb At Tanah Merah
Hey, East Siders: If you were awoken by a loud BOOM in the middle of the night, you weren't dreaming. In the wee hours of 2 April, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defence Group (CBRE DG) disposed of an unexploded World War II ordnance (UXO) found at a construction site by Tanah Merah Coast Road. 
Personnel from the Singapore Army preparing protective works | IMAGES: MINDEF
The relic, discovered on 31 March, weighed in at a chonky 250kg. After the CBRE DG team identified it as an aerial bomb, and assessed that it would be unsafe to move, they decided to conduct a controlled disposal on-site, near where Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be built. Thanks largely in part to an inter-agency collaboration between CBRG DG, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG), the procedure was conducted smoothly, and with no disruptions to airport operations. 
Remnants of the World War II aerial bomb following the UXO disposal. | IMAGE: MINDEF
Although the WWII relic unearthed this week was one of the larger ones, finding and disposing of them isn't an uncommon occurrence in Singapore. Here's a look back at some memorable instances over the years:
Upper Bukit Timah
IMAGE: FACEBOOK/@MINDEF
While this 100kg aerial bomb relic was half the size of the one found in Tanah Merah, the subsequent evacuation exercise was the largest ever involving a WWII relic. Over 4,000 residents in more than 1,000 homes were asked to temporarily vacate their premises while the SAF carried out the disposal. Numerous shopkeepers had to close operations, and Greenridge Secondary School moved to home-based learning for the day.
Jiak Kim Street
IMAGE: FACEBOOK/@THE SINGAPORE ARMY
In November 2019, the SAF's Explosive Ordnance Team (EOD) detonated a 50kg WWII bomb relic found under Zouk's former site. The area's residents, which included guests from the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, were asked to evacuate the area between 8am and 6pm until disposal was complete. Talk about a memorable Singapore stay for tourists.
Jurong Island
IMAGE: FACEBOOK/@THE SINGAPORE ARMY
In 2017, the EOD spent two days disposing of a 70mm high WWII explosive projectile found at a construction yard on Jurong Island. It turned out to be a dramatic month indeed - just eight days later, another war relic was found near East Coast Road.
Sengkang
IMAGE: FACEBOOK/@THE SINGAPORE ARMY
In 2016, A a British 105mm projectile was found at yet another construction yard in Sengkang - this time, the team worked through the night to detonate and subsequently dispose of the relic.
Outram
IMAGE: YOUTUBE/@THE RED PHOENIX
Bruno Mars always said he would catch a grenade for you, but no one ever asked where that grenade went. In 2014, a few workers found a WWII hand grenade in a heart-shaped tree, tucked in between two branches. Unless you’re Bruno Mars or the EOD unit, stay far, far away.
Tampines
IMAGE: FACEBOOK/@THE SINGAPORE ARMY
In January 2014, another war relic was found in a construction site in (surprise!) Tampines. So much for "east side, best side". The relic was an Illumination mortar round. No, not the Illumination you see that Minion yell at the beginning of Despicable Me.
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