Three RAF Fauld Explosion was a military accident which occurred at 11:11am on Monday 27th November 1944 at the underground munitions storage depot in Staffordshire. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history and the largest on UK soil.
Between 3,500 and 4,000 tonnes of high explosives caused an explosion crater 30m deep and 230m across.
A nearby reservoir was obliterated, along with a complete farm & several other buildings. Flooding caused by the destruction of the reservoir added to the damage of the explosion.
The exact death toll is uncertain, over 70 people died in the explosion and resulting flood.
Two hundred cattle were also killed by the explosion.
The explosion was so loud it could be heard as far away as North Africa.