BD75 -RLC

80 Years of Bomb Disposal - Royal Logistics Corps

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An Introduction

EOD Today

Where did It all start?

1940-1945 WW2

Medals and Honours

Equipment

Royal Logistics Corp

The next 80 Years

Bibliograpy

This short history has focused on the Royal Engineers, however the RLC also have an extensive history of bomb disposal and in particular dealing with IED Disposal in the Counter Terrorist (CT) role. One of the most enduring and dangerous roles the RLC have had responsibility for was that of the CT role on Op BANNER (Northern Ireland).

321 EOD Squadron RLC were first deployed to NI in May 1970 where they were faced with a significant escalation of IEDs, car bombs being the ‘delivery platform of choice’. Furthermore, there was a continuous evolution of capability as the terrorists device grew in size and complexity. In response, the Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) ‘golfbag’ of equipment was rapidly developed to deal with higher explosive payloads, more advanced arming mechanisms (mechanical timers to remotely initiated for example), and anti-handling measures designed to trick the ATO into making a mistake or making a bad decision with devastating consequences. Such was the work of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.

German Type C Parachute Mine

Typically, 321 EOD Company teams are led by an ATO who is known as the Number 1 Operator, making the decisions and ultimately going forward to deal with a device. The Number 2 operates the Remote Control Vehicle (historically the WHEELBARROW but now giving way to more modern robots) used to minimise the risk of injury and carry out the RSP remotely prior to the final manual approach. The Number 3 is the signaller and Electronic Countermeasures specialist with the Number 4 being the infantry soldier acting as body guard for the team. In the mid 70’s these teams were given the call-sign ‘Felix’ with a cat (with nine lives) being the officially recognised badge of 321 EOD Company.

Between 1969 and 2007, 20 Bomb Disposal operators lost their lives with 24 being seriously injured dealing with over 54,000 call-outs. Despite the peace process and formal end to Op BANNER, dissident republican terrorist are still keeping the Unit active today.