WWI munitions 'still litter Europe' still a serious danger!

[Neil]

 
The danger of handling unexploded World War One ammunition was demonstrated on Wednesday when two Belgian workmen were killed by an unexploded shell which was dug up on a building site.

More than a billion shells were fired in the conflict and as many as 30 percent did not explode. After spring ploughing on the former battlefields of France and Belgium potentially lethal ammunition is brought to the surface.

Despite the dangers, there is an illegal trade in this lethal ammunition. Some "collectors" search for the shells, defuse them at home and then sell them at collectors markets.

Angus Crawford visited one area in eastern France which was the scene of fierce fighting. Historian Maarten Otte showed how common the remnants of potentially dangerous ordnance are in the area.

Short film here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26663640

[win]

Yes I've seen all knds of military stuff on sale in Lille, all metal detected. The braderie is an enormous car boot type sale which takes over most of the town, first weekend in September, Saturday and Sunday. My daughter in the antique trade picked up lots of bargains there over the years. There's usually about 3 stalls in the park selling metal detected military stuff quite openly though its banned over there. Shells, bullets, rifles etc. for sale. Sad to see British helmets, badges and buttons being sold.