A mine clearance operation on the Westerplatte Peninsula has uncovered over 4,700 dangerous objects from World War II, alongside nearly 3,800 historical artifacts spanning several centuries. This extensive effort was conducted under the direction of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk.
Located at the mouth of the Dead Vistula on the Baltic Sea, Westerplatte was the site of one of the first confrontations between Polish and German forces during the invasion of Poland. The Polish garrison’s heroic defense, which lasted seven days and repelled thirteen German assaults, became a powerful symbol of Polish resistance, tying up German forces and preventing over 3,000 soldiers from supporting battles nearby, such as in Hel and Gdynia.
The mine clearance project began in 2016 and continued over several years, covering various plots of land. Specialists examined over 13.5 hectares, discovering a remarkable array of hazardous items, including three aerial bombs—one weighing 500 kg and located just 30 cm below the surface.
Among the neutralized dangerous objects were nearly 200 artillery shells, ranging from 20 mm to 210 mm, along with mortar and hand grenades, fuzes, and small arms ammunition. This meticulous work has ensured the safe removal of hazardous remnants from past conflicts, greatly enhancing the safety of museum staff and the many tourists visiting Westerplatte.
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