England. A German aerial mine lies beside a water filled ditch as its explosive is slowly ...

England. A German aerial mine lies beside a water filled ditch as its explosive is slowly steamed out. After being rendered safe by officers and men from the Enemy Mining Section (EMS) of HMS Vernon, low pressure steam was applied via the pipe seen at right. The steam supplied a safe source of heat, melting the mine's solid explosive and enabling it to be piped out and burned off. A hose protrudes from the end of the mine (centre) and runs off to the right beneath the obscuring cloud of steam. An unidentified sailor is resting on a shovel (left).