SC250 bomb

The Sprengbombe Cylindrich 250 was an air-dropped bomb built by Germany during World War II and used intensively during that period. It could be carried by almost all German bomber aircraft, and was used to notable effect by the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka (Sturzkampfflugzeug or dive-bomber). The bomb's weight was about 250 kg, from which its designation was derived. It was used in the Eastern Front and many other theatres, and was feared for its destructive power.

One of the more commonly used bombs in World War II and used extensively during the Blitz on London.

Many of the 250 kg bombs would have the 17 time delayed action fuse and the special "/Y" fuse fitted to cause maximum disruption to the bomb disposal officers.[1] John Pilkington Hudson was awarded the George Medal in 1943 for disabling the first Y bomb fuse.[2]

References

  1. ^ Dunstable Town Centre (20 April 2005). "The Earl and the Secretary". BBC. A3924443. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/43/a3924443.shtml. "The “/Y” fuse behaved exactly like the normal one when tested but it had an additional circuit that was isolated after activation. This circuit contained “mercury tilt switches” which would detonate the bomb if the fuse were turned, even slowly. This was a “Booby Trap” designed to kill bomb disposal personnel." 
  2. ^ Brian Self. "Hudson, John Pilkington (1910–2007), horticultural scientist and bomb disposal officer". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/99289. Retrieved 6 December 2011.  (subscription required)