Fort Stewart, Georgia. (November 28, 2024): In this photo by Sergeant Anthony Ford, soldiers take cover as a Bangalore torpedo explodes just to their front. This famous device is credited with saving thousands of allied lives on D-Day. The Bangalore was originally designed by local farmers wanting to clear paths and heavy undergrowth. Along comes Captain R. L. McClintock of the Royal Engineers in 1912 who created a more powerful explosion and a whole new role for the Bangalore.

Soon, use of the “Bangalore” mine would sweep through the British Army and it quickly became the primary tool used by combat engineers. The device saved lives by allowing troops to clear obstacles that would otherwise require them to approach directly, possibly under fire. The mine originally looked something like a long chimney brush with an explosive charge attached and then several connected tubes added to the required length.

During World War I, the Bangalore torpedo was used to clear barbed wire before an attack as it had the advantage of being detonated from a protected position. During World War II, the United States Army adopted the Bangalore and it turned out to be a great decision. The invaders on D-Day used the Bangalore to punch holes through the German “Atlantic Wall.” This reliable weapon created cracks in the German defenses allowing Allied infantry to invade, saving thousands of lives in the process.

Later, during the Vietnam war, engineers would rely on the Bangalore to clear dense jungle or it was used by infantry squads to assault fixed positions. The Vietnamese also made wide use of the device mostly as an anti-personnel mine.

Today, Combat Engineers continue to use the Bangalore Torpedo for breaching training exercises. They are receiving a new version, the Bangalore Blade, which can cut tougher obstacles like razor wire. 

This simple device, designed by farmers, has saved countless allied lives and continues to be an important tool for infantry squads and combat engineers to clear the way.