<P> Initially there were no specialized tools, training, or core knowledge available, and as Ammunition Technicians learned how to safely neutralize one variant of munition, the enemy would add or change parts to make neutralization efforts more hazardous . This trend of cat - and - mouse extends even to the present day, and the various techniques used to disarm munitions are not publicized . </P> <P> Modern EOD Technicians across the world can trace their heritage to the Blitz, when the United Kingdom's cities were subjected to extensive bombing raids by Nazi Germany . In addition to conventional air raids, unexploded bombs (UXBs) took their toll on population and morale, paralyzing vital services and communications . Bombs fitted with delayed - action fuzes provoked fear and uncertainty in the civilian population . </P> <P> The first UXBs were encountered in the autumn of 1939 before the Blitz and were for the most part easily dealt with, mostly by Royal Air Force or Air Raid Precautions personnel . In the spring of 1940, when the Phony War ended, the British realized that they were going to need professionals in numbers to deal with the coming problem . 25 sections were authorized for the Royal Engineers in May 1940, another 109 in June, and 220 by August . Organization was needed, and as the Blitz began, 25 "Bomb Disposal Companies" were created between August 1940 and January 1941 . Each company had ten sections, each section having a bomb disposal officer and 14 other ranks to assist . Six companies were deployed in London by January 1941 . </P> <P> The problem of UXBs was further complicated when Royal Engineer bomb disposal personnel began to encounter munitions fitted with anti-handling devices e.g. the Luftwaffe's ZUS40 anti-removal bomb fuze of 1940 . Bomb fuzes incorporating anti-handling devices were specifically designed to kill bomb disposal personnel . Scientists and technical staff responded by devising methods and equipment to render them safe, including the work of Eric Moxey . </P>

The initial structure for british bomb disposal parties in 1939 was composed of