Officials in Arapahoe County, Colorado, were called to investigate a piece of history that was found by a group of on-site construction workers. Aurora Police requested the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad to determine a metal device that was discovered. The bomb squad identified the device as a World War II Mark 23 Mod 1 training round and determined it was an inert cast-iron miniature bomb. The area where the bomb was found was the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, which was used during World War II as a site for military armament and bombing training. The former range was operational from 1942 to 1963 and had four former Titan I missile complexes.
The construction company found the military ordnance in the 4600 block of S. Robertsdale Way, which was part of the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range. The area, spanning 100 square miles, was established in 1938 and used for military training exercises, including practice and high-explosive bombs. The Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reported that the range was utilized for various inert and live munitions training exercises at numerous bombing and gunnery targets during its operational years. The bomb technicians from the Arapahoe Sheriff’s office used an X-ray device to determine the nature of the device and confirmed it was a cast-iron miniature bomb commonly used for practice on land targets.
After identifying the device, officials turned it over to the Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora for further handling and disposal. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) provided munition safety tips, emphasizing the hazardous nature of military munitions and advising against touching or handling them. Regardless of their age, munition items retain their dangerous properties and should only be handled by trained experts who can assess and make the area safe. The discovery of the World War II training round sparked interest and raised awareness about the history of the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range.
The former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range has a historical significance due to its use during World War II for military training exercises. The area was a key site for military armament and bombing training, including the practice with practice and high-explosive bombs. The history of the range dates back to 1938 when it was established and served as a training ground until 1963. The range included four former Titan I missile complexes that were operational from 1962 to 1965. Cast-iron miniature bombs were commonly used for practice in land targets during military training exercises, as reported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Officials from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s office and the Bomb Squad worked together to investigate and identify the military ordnance found by the construction company. The discovery of the World War II training round highlighted the importance of proper handling and disposal of munition items due to their hazardous and dangerous nature. By following the safety tips provided by the CDPHE and leaving the handling of munitions to trained experts, the authorities ensured the safety of the area and those involved in the discovery. The incident also shed light on the history of the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range and its significance in military training during World War II.
