Hidden beneath the quiet countryside of Staffordshire lies the story of one of the most devastating man-made explosions in history. This October, history enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to delve into that story with a compelling talk at Rugeley Library.
Local historian, author, and former teacher Steve Booth will guide audiences through the dramatic events of 27 November 1944, when the RAF Fauld underground armaments' depot near Tutbury was rocked by a catastrophic explosion. Remarkably, this disaster ranks as the fourth-largest man-made explosion ever recorded, yet it remains relatively unknown outside the region.
During the presentation, Steve Booth will explore not only the sheer scale of the blast—which carved out a crater some 30 metres deep and a quarter of a mile wide, spanning an astonishing 12 acres—but also the human stories behind it. What went wrong? Could it have been prevented? And what were the immediate and lasting effects on the people working at the site and living in the surrounding area?
Attendees will also hear about the fate of the farmland above the storage tunnels and the farmworkers whose lives were forever altered by the explosion. Through striking and rarely seen photographs, this talk brings into sharp focus both the devastation and the resilience of a community caught up in wartime tragedy.
Tuesday 13 October
2pm to 3:30pm
Free of charge
Booking essential
To book, please call Rugeley Library on 01889 869063 or email rugeley.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.
For more information, including opening hours, facilities and where to find us, please see our Rugeley Library webpage.