Questioning the claim that rain detonated battleship shells

Were battleship shells in Vietnam detonated by raindrops?

The panel doubts that this describes correctly maintained ammunition. Improper storage or preparation of older stock is suggested, but the exchange does not establish the cause of a particular incident.

The panel questions a claim that raindrops set off battleship shells during the Vietnam War. Clarke distinguishes correctly maintained and calibrated ammunition from older World War II stocks that may have been stored or prepared improperly. Another participant observes that an explosive charge sensitive enough to respond to a raindrop would also be at risk during handling. Poor storage is offered as a possible explanation for the reported sensitivity, without evidence that settles the incident. A later suggestion about moisture also remains unconfirmed.