Inside the Dangerous Bannerman Island Ordnance Cleanup

Published on March 11, 2026
Duration: 1:07

This entry details the dangerous process of clearing live historical ordnance from Bannerman Island, as described by explosive ordnance demolition expert Val Forgett. Forgett, trained under Colonel Jarrett at Aberdeen Proving Ground, spent a summer meticulously locating and recovering Civil War and Spanish-American War shells scattered across the island and within its castle ruins. The task was so hazardous that military units refused it, referring Forgett as the only one 'crazy enough' to undertake the job.

Quick Summary

Explosive Ordnance Demolition expert Val Forgett details the hazardous cleanup of live Civil War and Spanish-American War shells from Bannerman Island. He spent a summer meticulously recovering artillery shells scattered across the island and within its castle ruins, a task military units refused due to extreme danger.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Island of Shells
  2. 00:01Expert's Background
  3. 00:09Mentorship at Aberdeen Proving Ground
  4. 00:22New York's Cleanup Mandate
  5. 00:33Val Forgett Takes the Job
  6. 00:50Ordnance Recovery in Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was responsible for the dangerous ordnance cleanup on Bannerman Island?

The hazardous cleanup of live Civil War and Spanish-American War ordnance on Bannerman Island was undertaken by Val Forgett, a recognized Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) expert. He was specifically sought out for the task after military units declined due to the extreme risks involved.

What historical periods of ordnance were found on Bannerman Island?

During the extensive cleanup operation on Bannerman Island, Val Forgett recovered live ordnance dating back to the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. This included numerous artillery shells that had been scattered across the island and within the castle ruins.

Why did military units refuse to clear Bannerman Island of explosives?

Military explosive ordnance units refused the task of clearing Bannerman Island because the presence of live historical ordnance, including Civil War and Spanish-American War shells, posed an exceptionally high risk. The job was deemed too dangerous for standard military operations.

What training did Val Forgett have for ordnance disposal?

Val Forgett was an Explosive Ordnance Demolition expert who received specialized training. He spent two years at Aberdeen Proving Ground's Ordnance Museum under the tutelage of Colonel Jarrett, widely regarded as a top authority on arms, ammunition, and explosives.

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