Prince Harry marks 75th bomb disposal anniversary

Prince Harry with members of the bomb disposal community who were seriously injured doing their jobs. Credit: PA

Prince Harry has attended a service to mark the 75th anniversary of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) across the Armed Forces.

The service at St Paul's Cathedral focused on the role of EOD throughout the Second World War, as well as during the conflicts of Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

Members of the Armed Forces pictured during the service Credit: Sgt Rupert Frere/PA Wire

The prince also met bomb disposal experts who have suffered life-changing injuries and the families of those who have been killed in action.

Prince Harry talks to Sapper Clive Smith (left) and Sapper Jack Cummings who lost their legs in Afghanistan in 2010 Credit: PA
The prince also spoke to families of bomb disposal experts.

Among the attendees at the service was Captain Luke Sinnott from the Royal Engineers, who lost both of his legs in 2010, after volunteering to search an area "saturated" with IEDs to protect his comrades.

Prince Harry talks to double amputee Captain Luke Sinnott, Royal Engineers. Credit: PA

Officially formed in October 1940, the original Royal Engineers bomb disposal unit played an important role in the WWII, dealing with tens of thousands of unexploded bombs in the UK and overseas.

Since then, bomb disposal has expanded across the Armed Forces, and played an integral role in the conflicts of Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, among others.

Warrant Officer Karl Ley, from 101 Engineer regiment, was awarded George Medal for bravery, after disarmed 139 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a tour of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Karl Ley, disarmed 139 improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. Credit: ITV News

He told ITV News, making devices safe is "a massively rewarding job" despite the obvious risks.

"We never forget it's dangerous but we train to the extent where we are confident in our own skills when we approach a device."

Paying tribute to comrades that have lost their lives in the field, he said: "It's a day for celebration, the 75th anniversary of bomb disposal, but equally it's a day for reflection as well. Remembering our comrades, friends and colleagues who didn't make it back".