Collector Ends Up In Hospital After WWII-Era Artillery Shell Gets Stuck In Rectum

Photo Credit: 1. Christopher Furlong / Getty Images (Blurred) 2. Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels 3. MKFI / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Photo Credit: 1. Christopher Furlong / Getty Images (Blurred) 2. Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels 3. MKFI / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

UK-based tabloid The Sun is reporting that British Army explosive experts were called to an emergency room in Gloucester after a patient came in with a World War II-era artillery shell stuck up his rectum.

Ambulances parked outside of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. (Photo Credit: Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Experts with the 11 Explosive Ordnance Regiment were called to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after fears arose that the anti-tank round could explode, potentially putting the lives of the patient and those at the hospital in danger.

According to the patient, he was cleaning out his collection of military memorabilia when he “slipped and fell” on the 17 CM by 6 CM artillery shell. Speaking with The Sun, a source with knowledge of the situation said:

“The guy said he found the shell when he was having a clear out of his stuff. He said he put it on the floor then he slipped and fell on it – and it went up his a**e. He was in a considerable amount of pain. I think he collected military memorabilia.”

Police were called to the scene after receiving “a report that a patient had presented with a munition in his rectum.” A spokesperson with law enforcement added, “The item had been removed prior to police arrival and the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were contacted.”

“As with any incident involving munitions, the relevant safety protocols were followed to ensure there was no risk to patients, staff or visitors at any time,” explained a hospital spokesperson when asked about the police presence.

It was later determined the artillery shell was not live and thus not a risk.

Military memorabilia on display on a table
Military memorabilia and munitions on display at a festival in Maidstone, England. (Photo Credit: Jack Taylor / Getty Images)

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The patient was released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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