Spy stuff: exploding chocolates and peas

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In summary, the conversation discusses the failed attempts by German sabotage agents to use exploding objects, such as a bar of chocolate and a can of peas, to harm enemies during World War II. These plans were reported two years ago and were also mentioned in a book on improvised munitions, providing a mix of seriousness and humor in the topic.
  • #1
alexandra
Nazis' exploding chocolate plans
By Paul Reynolds
World affairs correspondent, BBC News website

German sabotage agents developed an exploding bar of chocolate...
...
These ingenious objects got no further than four explosive cans of peas, which were found on German agents who landed in Ireland by small boat and claimed that they hoped to get them into Buckingham Palace. Details of this plot were reported two years ago.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4204980.stm
I know there is a serious side to this article, but it also gave me a bit of a giggle...

alex
 
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  • #2
Oh, geez, that could be dangerous. Imagine sitting in your bedroom, on your canopy bed, hungering for a can o' peas. You open the can o' peas but wind up opening an entirely different canopy(s), as well.
 
  • #3
oh bobbie boy, you're too funny.
 
  • #4
I read about the chocolate bar in a book on improvised munitions. There was another made out of a whistle. The little ball inside was abrasive and the inside was coated with some form of explosive agents that would spark from the abrasion when the whistle was blown.
 

1. How do exploding chocolates and peas work?

The chocolates and peas are filled with a small amount of explosive material, such as gunpowder or C4. When a trigger mechanism, such as a pressure sensor or remote detonator, is activated, the explosive material ignites and causes the chocolate or pea to explode.

2. Are exploding chocolates and peas real or just a movie trope?

While exploding chocolates and peas are often seen in movies and television shows, there have been real instances of these devices being used in espionage. However, they are not commonly used due to the potential harm they could cause to innocent individuals.

3. Can exploding chocolates and peas be disguised as regular food items?

Yes, with the right materials and techniques, it is possible to create exploding chocolates and peas that look identical to regular ones. This makes them effective as covert weapons in espionage situations.

4. What makes these explosives different from other types of bombs?

Unlike traditional bombs that are designed to cause mass destruction, exploding chocolates and peas are typically smaller and contain a smaller amount of explosive material. They are also designed to be discreet and can be easily concealed in everyday objects.

5. How are exploding chocolates and peas detected?

Explosive detection methods, such as X-ray imaging and chemical tests, can be used to identify the presence of explosive material in chocolates and peas. However, these devices can also be designed to be undetectable, making them even more dangerous in the wrong hands.

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