Bomb finds World War II in Bangkok
For the second time in a short time, a bomb from World War II has been unearthed in Bangkok. In April, a bomb was discovered during excavation work at a scrap yard in Lat Pla Khao, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Due to unfamiliarity with the material, that bomb was handled carelessly, the bomb exploded and at least seven people were killed.
Earlier this week, a similar bomb – a 12 by 46” bomb weighing over 200 kilos – was discovered during excavation near Bang Sue where construction of an MRT station is underway. Fortunately, the explosives service of the Royal Thai Air Force was now called in to dismantle and dispose of the bomb.
Both locations are not too far from Don Muang Airport and that explains these finds somewhat, although there was also heavy bombing elsewhere in Bangkok during World War II.
Allied bombing
Those bombings by allied bombers started even before Thailand had declared war on England and the United States. After all, the Empire of Japan, with the permission of the then Thai government, had invaded the country and Thailand was used as a bridgehead for the invasion of both Malaysia and Burma.
The first attack came on 7 January 1942 with bombing raids on military targets in Bangkok, carried out by 7 aircraft of No. 113 Squadron RAF (motto Velox et vindex – quick to retaliation) and 3 Blenheim bombers of No. 45 Squadron RAF (motto Per ardua surgo – in difficulties I become strong). The second night attack took place on 24-25 January 1942 by 8 Blenheim bombers.
After Rangoon fell into Japanese hands on March 7, 1942, heavy bombers were deployed from India and China for more bombing raids. Those bombings primarily targeted Japanese military installations, but were also designed to pressure the Thai government to break its alliance with Japan. Important targets were also the port of Bangkok and the railway system. The attacks were carried out by the British RAF, the American USAAF and other allied air forces. The bombers used were mainly the Blenheim, Mustang and also the American B-29 Superfortress was used for the first time.
The B-29 Super Fortress
Thailand became the first combat mission for the American B-29 Superfortress. The decision to bomb the port of Bangkok and the railways with this aircraft was made in consultation between US President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill. On June 5, 1944, 98 B-29s flew from airfields in India to attack the Makasan emplacements in Bangkok. The mission was the longest distance ever made by a bomber at 2261 miles round trip. Of the 98 aircraft, 27 had to return early due to various engine problems, so that 71 aircraft reached Bangkok.
The mission was not a real success due to bad weather conditions and obscuration of the targets. Only 18 bombs hit their targets and a Japanese military hospital and the headquarters of the Japanese secret service were also hit. On the way back 42 aircraft had to divert to other airfields due to lack of fuel and 5 crashed on landing, but no aircraft were hit by enemy fire. More attacks on strategic targets in Bangkok were later carried out.
Source: The Nation and Wikipedia