The Llanberis Bomb Store: A Forgotten WWII Munitions Depot in North Wales
Nestled in the rugged terrain of North Wales near Llanberis lies a significant wartime relic: the Llanberis Bomb Store. Established during World War II, this facility was crucial for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in managing and storing munitions.
Origins and Construction
In the late 1930s, amid escalating global tensions, the British government sought secure locations for munitions storage. The abandoned Glynrhonwy slate quarries, unused since 1930, provided an ideal site due to their seclusion and natural cover. In 1939, the Air Ministry acquired the Lower Glynrhonwy quarry, converting it into an underground bomb store. The design included a two-story structure within the quarry's eastern pit, reinforced with concrete and concealed under approximately 40 feet of slate debris. Railway lines facilitated the movement of bombs into the depot through existing quarry tunnels, and three electric lifts transported munitions between floors.
The Catastrophic Collapse
Despite careful planning, the facility experienced a major setback. On January 25, 1942, merely six months after its opening, two-thirds of the structure collapsed under the weight of the overlying slate. This disaster buried a train with 27 wagons and over 14,000 tons of bombs, constituting 14% of the RAF's total munitions at that time. An inquiry blamed design flaws and cost-cutting measures for the collapse. Although many buried bombs were later retrieved, the underground sections were abandoned, and munitions storage at the site ceased.
Post-War Activities and Decommissioning
Following World War II, the RAF retained control of the Llanberis site, repurposing it for demolishing and disposing of surplus and obsolete ordnance. The RAF School of Explosives operated there, conducting training and overseeing the destruction of various munitions until the depot's closure in July 1956. Subsequent extensive efforts aimed to clear the site of remaining explosives. By October 1975, approximately 85,000 tons of slate and debris had been removed, and 352 tons of explosive items, along with 1,420 tons of non-explosive ordnance debris, were recovered and disposed of.
Legacy and Modern-Day Significance
Today, the remnants of the Llanberis Bomb Store stand as a testament to a turbulent period in history. The site, with its vast concrete structures and abandoned tunnels, attracts historians and urban explorers alike. Proposals have been made to repurpose the area for modern energy projects, such as a pumped hydroelectric storage facility, aiming to blend historical preservation with sustainable development.
The Llanberis Bomb Store serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and demands of wartime logistics, as well as the enduring impact of history on contemporary initiatives.
