FOR O F F IC IA L USE ONLY.

0.187.
 FOR O F F IC IA L USE ONLY.

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE

GRENADES
AN D TH EIR USES

:t Issued by instruction of the ::

Chief of General Staff, Australia,

Compiled by

Lieut,-Col. R. LAW,
Australian Engineers.

ALBERT J. MULLETT, GOVERNMENT PRIN TER, MELBOURNE.

C1S7. KC
 CONTENTS.

S ection . page

1. Training and Employment of Grenadiers ... ... 5

2. Grenades and Training of Grenadiers ... ... 11
3. Improvised Grenades—Jam-tin, Brush-back,and Cricket-
bat ... ... ... ... ... ... 19
4. Grenades, Class 1—Turkish, British, Law-Adams ... 21
5. Grenades, Class 2—Pitcher, Mills, Welsh Berry, British
Marks 6 and 7 ... ... ... ... ... 23
6. Grenades, Class 3—British, Mexican, Australian ... 29
7. Rifle Grenade and Miscellaneous ... ... ... 33
8. Trench Periscopes (Simple Form) ... ... ... 38
9. Fuses (Service and Commercial, Brassard,.Portfire ... 40
10. Detonators (Service and Commercial) ... ... 43
11. Explosives (Propellant and High Explosives, Service
and others) ... ... ... ... 45
12. Organization of Grenadiers .. ... ... ... 56
13. Trench Catapult, West Spring Gun, Stokes Gun ... 63
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Turkish, Gallipoli Grenade.

British Emergency Bomb.
Law-Adams Grenade.
Jam-tin Grenades.
Brush-back or Cricket-bat Type.
Pitcher Grenade.
Mills Grenade.
British, Marks 6 and 7.
British Hand Grenade.
Mexican Grenade.
Rifle Grenade.
Miscellaneous.
Simple Trench Periscope.
Fuse, Section, Detonators, Guncotton, &c.
Brassard.
Welsh Berry Grenade.
Australian Hand Grenade (Percussion).
Trench Catapult.
West Spring Gun.
Stokes Gun.
Trench Mortar.

KC
 SECTION 1.

M EM O RAN D U M ON T H E T R A IN IN G A N D
E M P L O Y M E N T O F G R E N A D IE R S .

I ssued by the G eneral S taff at G en eral

H ead -Q u a r te r s .

1. The Objects of Grenade Throwing.— Among the

more important purposes for which grenade throwing
may be used are the follow in g:—•
( i ) To prevent the approach of enemy’s sap
heads towards our own trenches.
( ii ) To facilitate the progress o f a storming
party along the enemy’ s trenches which
have been successfully attacked.
(iii) T o prevent the advance of the enemy along
our trenches which they may have suc­
ceeded in entering.

2. Selection o f M en .— The men taken fo r training as

grenadiers should be selected from the very best,
bravest, and steadiest in emergency.

3. Training and Instruction.— Training and instruc­

tion must be progressive, and should commence with
practice in throwing dummy grenades. This should
always be carried out with the strictest observance o f
active service conditions, v iz .:—
(a ) The men must be fully armed and equipped.
( b) Throwing must be invariably practised from a
narrow trench or behind a barricade.
( c ) Men should be practised, not merely to throw
over a traverse, but at least into the space
beyond the second traverse from them.
 6

( d) For practice, traverses should be made at vary­

ing intervals, and some should be loop-
holed, in order to teach men that they may
he checked by, and that they may have to
resort to, rifle Are.
( e ) Men must he taught to throw accurately at
both long and short distances.
The best results for long distance throwing are
obtained by swinging the arm upwards and
slightly forward, the hand, at the commence­
ment of the swing, being about the level of
the waist. For short distances, the grenades
should be lobbed from the shoulder by an
action similar to that employed in u putting
the weight.”

( / ) Men should be taught to concentrate or dis­

tribute fire as required.

4. Practice with Live Grenades.— Training in

grenade throwing should be carried out in each batta­
lion under a selected officer, but all officers should make
themselves acquainted with grenade tactics.
Before men are allowed to use live grenades, the
following should be explained and demonstrated:—
(a ) The construction and action of the hand
grenade.
( b ) The properties of fuses, detonators, and ex­
plosives.
( c ) The making up and firing small charges to
accustom men in handling explosives, cut­
ting fuses, &c.
Plenty of practice with live bombs is essential,
but fam iliarity with explosives must not be
allowed to induce carelessness in handling
them.
 7

The length o f fuse at first should be such as to allow

at least ten seconds’ burning. This length should be
gradually reduced to the service length as the men gain
confidence and skill in lighting and throwing.

5. The Organization of a Trench-storming P a rty .—

A trench-storming party will; as a rule, consist o f—
(a ) The bayonet men to cover the party.
( b) The grenadiers. Each grenadier should, as a
rule, be accompanied by a carrier.
(c ) The remaining carriers. This party should
be followed by—

( d) The sand-bag men, who carry sand-bags half

filled. They block side entrances to the
trench, and finally barricade the furthest
point reached in it. In an attack the sand­
bag men may form part o f the main body,
or, in working along a trench, be taken from
the men detailed to m odify or destroy the
trenches, or to hold them.

The sand-bag men, and other parties in rear of them,

will vary in numbers, but for working along a trench
the grenadier party might consist o f two throwers, with
a reserve two behind to take their places in case o f
casualties; they might be followed by four carriers, if
they are necessary; there should also be about eight
bayonet men. Four o f these last, including the H .C.O.
in charge, should be just in front o f the leading grena­
diers and carriers, and four behind them and in front
of the reserve throwers and carriers. Some o f the men
in rear of the leading throwers and carriers must be left
to watch communication trenches that may be passed in
advancing. In an attack, there should be spare grena­
diers and carriers at the head of each company, who
will be available to replace casualties and take over the
watching of side trenches from the grenadier party.
 8

6. M ethod of Attach,— (a ) The following mode of

action in working along an enemy’s trench has been
found successful:—

On arriving at traverse 1, the

bayonet men should place them­
selves in position A A A , the N .C.O .
at C, or as required, the grenadiers
at BB, behind the traverse with the
carriers, if any, and spare bayonet
men behind them. No. 1 grenadier
then throws a grenade over the tra­
verse into trench X , and a second
one into trench Y . The leading
bayonet man can then move for­
ward, so as to see into, trench X .
I f it is clear, he passes back word,
and the three bayonet men move up
trench X and occupy positions at
traverse 2, similar to those at tra­
verse 1. The grenadiers then fol­
low, and throw grenades into Y and
Z. Until Y is clear, the reserve
bayonet men remain behind traverse
1, in case the enemy should throw
grenades into trench X .

Should trench Y be too far to

reach from traverse 1, the grenadiers
should move to point D and throw
obliquely into it before advancing
to traverse 2.
( h) When a machine-gun detach­
ment accompanies the party, the fol­
lowing method has been found to be
effective: — The officer decides on a
suitable position for the gun as soon
as the hostile trench is reached; the
machine-gun detachment then con­
struct an emplacement blocking the
trench, but leaving room for one
man to pass at a time.
 9

The grenadiers act as described in ( a), and a forward

stop at least 40 yards in front of the gun emplacement
is constructed, blocking the trench, and also leaving
room for one man to pass at a time.

The traverses between the emplacement and the for­

ward stop should be cut away so as to give a clear field
of fire to the machine-gun.
(c ) Should an “ island traverse ” be encountered the
leading bayonet men must watch both sides o f it whilst
the grenadiers are throwing grenades.
7. Grenade Carriers.— Receptacles for carrying
grenades have been devised. One type is in the form
of a basket or box similar to the machine-gun belt box.
with strap handle, and fitted inside to take the type of
grenade in use.

CA

BB

_____ fin

Fig. 2.

Another type is that illustrated in the sketch. It

consists o f a leather belt, o f the bandolier type, which
goes three-quarters around the body, and has pockets in
front for the grenades. The belt is supported by two
straps attached in front, which are passed under the
shoulder straps, then through loops on ends o f the belt,
and then are brought round the waist and tied in front.
This leaves the man free use o f both hands. (Figs.
B, 4.)
8. Sand-bag M en.— Sand-bag men should be prac­
tised in filling sand-bags and passing them quickly along
a chain o f men in a trench to a given point where a
barrier is to be constructed. When a barricade is made
it must be machine-gun proof, and it should have a
second barrier, out of bombing distance, to check the
enemy should he attempt to recover his trench by
bombing.
 BACK VIEW.

FCOflT VIEW.
KC
 GRENADES AND THEIR USES.
SECTION 2.

Present conditions of trench or fortress warfare have

revived the use of the ancient hand grenade, and
grenadiers are once more to the fore. A grenade was
originally a small spherical shell, about 3 inches in
diameter, made of iron or annealed glass, filled with
gunpowder, ignited with a fuse, and thrown by hand.
Grenades are said to have been first used in the year
1594. In the years 1914-15 their use has been fully
demonstrated, and, except for modifications rendered
necessary by modern progress and knowledge of high
explosives, the essential principles remain the same.
That the use of grenades was foreseen is evidenced by
the fact that a description of certain grenades is in­
cluded in M usketry Regulations', vicle p. 200, 1914.
The smaller types, thrown by hand, are usually desig­
nated grenades, whilst the larger varieties, thrown or
projected by mechanical means ( e . g trench mortars,
catapults, and spring guns) are usually referred to as
bombs. In the following notes this classification will be
adhered to, as it appears to the writer that some definite
distinction should be made between the types alluded
to. Grenades thrown by hand are intended for use
against the individual, whilst bombs thrown by machines
may be used against earth or other defensive works,
when desirable. There are exceptions to every rule, and
the grenade fired from a rifle is called a rifle grenade.
The old iron ball is still used, and its qualities are diffi­
cult to surpass, but a glass ball would be quite useless
with high explosives. The modern improvements include
better fuses, easier means of ignition, automatic, and
semi-automatic mechanical lighting devices, also seg­
mentation of the shell or body, so that the grenades
 12

will split up into well-defined segments. The use of

modern, deadly, high explosives, makes the grenadier
o f to-day something equivalent to a rapidly moving
field-gun firing high explosive shell of low velocity at
short range.
In the early stages of the war, lack of preparation
found us with an insufficient supply of grenades, and
also with types which could be improved upon; condi­
tions have altered now, and there is an ever-increasing
supply of types and designs, which are second to none.
W ith some training, our Australian troops can show that
if they, in times of peace, are experts with a cricket hall,
their powers in that direction are only surpassed by
their ability to lob grenades into the trenches, when
forced to place sport on one side and enter the deadly,
but honorable, game of war.
There are many diverse types of grenade, each with
its special characteristics and tactical uses, some of
which are described in the pages which follow.
Grenadiers should know and recognise each type, but
the important part of the training is the development of
the ability to lob the grenade, when and where the
thrower desires it to explode, with accuracy and
rapidity. It should be remembered thatthis can
be easier learned in Australia than in face of
the enemy where practice may be interrupted by his
kind attentions. It rests with ourselves to p u t our
whole-hearted energies into the training; the seat of
actual war seems far off, but it is really much nearer
than many of us realize— a short trip in a transport, a
few days wait, and we may be at the game— hut, it is
hoped, not without that confidence which is inspired
with knowledge of our own powers, the result of
diligent preparation.
Grenades should never be transported with detonators
in position, it is far too dangerous; all grenades should
liave means of inserting the detonator at the last pos­
sible moment. Grenades with a friction-lighting ar­
rangement are dangerous unless this can be in­
serted when required for action. If safety-match com­
position is used there is less danger. I f a quantity
of grenades are accidentally exploded the results will
be serious, and one will find it safer at a considerable
distance. Never hold on to1 a grenade or tell a funny
story after it is alight— you may never reach the point.
All grenades should be treated with care, they are all
dangerous, particularly those of the enemy, who some­
times throws unlighted grenades in the hope that we
may do the lighting of the instantaneous fuse which he
has innocently inserted for our destruction. The time
of the fuses used in all grenades should be standardized,
and this is being done, but one has no guarantee that
those of enemy origin are similarly timed. Some types
of grenades rely on the effect of explosion only, but it
is better to increase the radius of action by means of
missiles contained in, or resulting from, the disruption
of the grenade itself. The brush-back or cricket-bat
variety is really not a grenade at all, but is simply
an improvised means of placing a high-explosive charge
on the earthworks of the enemy because other means
are impossible without undue exposure and consequent
loss of life. Grenades proper are throwrn by hand, and
are sometimes classed according to weight, but this is
unsatisfactory, as the weights vary considerably. Light
grenades, about 1 lb. or a little over, can be thrown
about 50 yards, whilst heavy grenades, 2 lbs. upwards,
may be thrown not over 30 yards; these figures will
depend on the design of the grenade and other circum­
stances.
l{ The effective area of a light grenade is mainly
local, about 6 yards in diameter, but, when possible, it
should not' be thrown less than 20 yards in the open,
as stones, &c., thrown up by the explosion, would be
dangerous to the thrower.
The danger area of the heavy grenade is about 30
yards in diameter, and, therefore, it should not be
thrown less than 25 yards in the open. W ith all
grenades the thrower should cover the eyes at the
moment of explosion and protect himself, as small frag­
ments of metal may carry further than the distances
m en tion ed/’
 14

Time fuses for all grenades are standardized to five

seconds, so that one and a half to two seconds should
be used in the throwing. I f thrown hastily, it may
arrive at the enemy’ s trench too early, and give him
sufficient time to return it against you.
There are many different types of grenades, but each
has its own special advantages and uses, depending on
the nature and time of attack. Expert grenadiers
should have a good knowledge of each variety, and be
able to tell t'he special qualities of each, but, more im­
portant still, should be able to impart the information
to suit the men being instructed, remembering that it
is easier to teach here and now, than in some distant
land in face of the enemy. The instructor loses nothing
by imparting all he knows and patiently answering the
questions, however trivial, made by those anxious to
learn.
IN STR U C T IO N S FOR T H E T R A IN IN G AND
E M P L O Y M E N T OF G R E N A D IE R S .
P r a c t ic a l T r a in in g of G r e n a d ie r s .
Training will be conducted as laid down in the Memo­
randum for Training and Employment of Grenadiers,
issued by the General Staff, General Head-quarters,
which forms the first section in this pamphlet. Local
instructions issued by the Director of Military Training,
dated Melbourne, 17th January, 1916, is reproduced
for information, also extracts from Orders, A .I .F .,
dated 8th June, 1915.
The following instructions are issued for the training
of grenadiers : —-
1. (i) (a) One officer, two sergeants, and 56 other
ranks are to be trained in each bat­
talion.
(b) One officer, two sergeants, and 28 other
ranks are to be trained in each Light
Horse regiment.
(c) Five per cent, of each Light Horse and In ­
fantry reinforcements are to be trained
similarly.
 15

(ii) Theoretical instruction, based on the construc­

tion, appearance, properties, care, and main­
tenance of fuses (safety and instantaneous),
detonators (service and commercial), and ex­
plosives (lyddite, dynamite, powder, and
suitable commercial explosives) will be given
by qualified officers. The following litera­
ture on the subject is suggested as likely to
be of assistance in preparing lectures and
dummy grenades: —
Appendix V I I ., Musketry Regulations,
Part I. (Reprint, 1914).
u Professional Memoirs, Corps of E n­
gineers, U.S. Arm y and Engineers'
Department at L a rg e."
“ Notes from the F ro n t," Part I I I ., pp.
60-63.
"T r e n c h W a rfa r e " — Royal Engineers1
Journal, 1909, p. 165.
“ Treatise on Ammunition " — Scientific
American of 8th May, 1915.
(iii) Practical instruction in making, storing, and
handling improvised hand grenades from
jam tins, &c.
(iv) Practical instruction in throwing dummy
grenades.
(v) The organization of trench storming parties,
including instruction in the preliminary ar­
rangements, carrying, throwing grenades,
and the further supply of grenades to the
grenadiers. (See " Trench Warfare " and
" Notes from the F r o n t.")
2. Personnel selected for grenadiers will be trained
soldiers! who have completed their musketry course, and
the object to be aimed at is to make a good soldier a
good grenadier.
3. Until dummy grenades can be issued as an article
of store, each party will improvise dummies of approxi­
mately 1 lb. weight from material available locally.
Dummy stores, such as explosives, fuses, detonators, &c..
 16

can be made by any handy man from blocks of wood

rope, and the brass shells of fired small arms ammuni­
tion.
F r an cis H e r it a g e , Lt.-Col.
For Chief of the General Staff.
Melbourne, 17th January, 1916.

E x tr a cts from O rders of A u str a lia n I m perial

F or c e . D ated 8 th J un e , 1915.

Bomb Throvnng.
1. In every battalion and regiment of Light Horse
ten men per company and squadron will be trained as
bomb-throwers.
2. Courses for bomb-throwers will be organized regi-
men tally forthwith.
The course will in clu d e;—■
(i) Practice at throwing bombs over known dis­
tances into marked areas, which are to be
rectangles of not more than 3 feet width,
facing the thrower, and of any depth de­
sired, to represent enemy trenches. Practice
will be both from trenches and in the open.
(ii) Practice at lighting bombs, with the object of
accustoming the thrower to the flash of the
fuse and to the time taken to ignite and
explode.
(iii) Practice in bomb-throwing drill. The train­
ing will be carried out under as practical
and realistic conditions as possible.

3. Dummy bombs for practice will be drawn for

the bomb party at the rate of six per battalion and
regiment. They will not be used until the men are
proficient in throwing stones of actual weight with the
proper swing and necessary force.
 17

Practice in Throwing.— This is the most important

and difficult portion of the training, and every effort
possible should be made to create interest in this part
of the work.
It should be frequently impressed on all ranks
that it is just as difficult to throw an expensive and
intricate grenade as it is to throw one of the simpler
and cheaper forms; also that the least complex are
quite as deadly as the more intricate grenades, but that
neither are of any use unless they reach the trench
which forms the objective.
Short pithy lecturettes should be given on subjects
such as the tactical,uses o f various types of grenades;
Mechanical construction o f individual grenades; P rac­
tical points with regard to their use; Care and main­
tenance of grenades; Sources of danger and how to
avoid them; Storage, packing, and transport; Fuses
(service and com m ercia l); Construction, properties,
and use of detonators; General properties of explosives,
their practical use, and precautions to be observed; and
Periscopes. These will create interest and lend variety
to the practice. I f the men are encouraged to make
dummy jam-tin grenades, confidence will rapidly be
created in their own powers.
Until other types of grenades are available, t f Law-
Adams 57 grenades may be used for practice. It is
Strongly urged that actual grenades be used, as men
will put more energy— mental and physical— into the
work if they know it is the real thing they are throw­
ing, and not some inoffensive dummy, such as a ball or
stone.
All concerned are hereby warned of the very
great danger of using this or any other type o f
grenade with explosives of any kind until they
are familiar with the construction and action of
grenades, and have a sound theoretical and practical
instruction with regard to fuses, explosives, &c. Live
grenades are dangerous in the hands of the ignorant,
but with careful instruction confidence will result, and
with vigilant supervision especially in the initial stages,
 18

the use of these for training need cause no anxiety if

safety precautions be taken, The need for actual prac­
tical experience with live bombs has become apparent,
and the more these are used the greater will be the
efficiency of all concerned.
The following is suggested as a provisional course: —
1 st P r a c t ic e — T o insure Accuracy and R apidity.—
Grenades will be thrown from a fixed position into
a rectangle 3 feet x 3 feet at known and various dis­
tances, »?.y., 15, 20, 25, 30 yards.
2 nd P r a c t ic e — To accustom Personnel to Lighting a
Fuse and Throwing immediately .—At will be found that
a certain nervous reaction at first seriously affects the
accuracy of throwing, but after a little practice
familiarity with the new conditions rapidly results in
the practice becoming as good as it was originally.
N o t e .— It has been found that Chinese crackers in­
serted into the fuse plughole act admirably for carry­
ing out this practice. These are cheap, and can be pro­
cured almost anywhere.
3 rd P r a c t ic e — To accustom Men to throw from R e­
stricted Positions, as Trenches, <Ac.— Trenches are now
made narrow and deep, so conditions as nearly as pos­
sible approximating the present practice should be fol­
lowed. Trenches 4 ft. 6 in. deep and 2 ft. 6 in. to
3 feet wide— from these, men would throw into another
trench, say, 20 yards distant, variation in distance being
introduced by directing men to throw diagonally to
definite places or traverses.
4 th P r a c t ic e .— The same as in No. 3, but using
safety fuse, 4 inches of which will burn approximately
five seconds. There is no danger in this, and men soon
become familiar with fuses and their peculiarities.
5 th P r a c t ic e .— To accustom Grenadiers to throw
Grenades with the least possible Exposure and to conceal
their Position.— Periscopes should be used in this prac­
tice. These can be effectively and cheaply made by the
men themselves. Details of a simple and inexpensive
periscope appear in Section 8 (page 38).

KC
 19

6 th P r a c t ic e .— In this practice bombing will take

place along the trenches, and should be conducted by
parties, detailed as laid down in paras. 5 and 6, Sec­
tion 1, taking all precautions as if the trenches were
occupied by an enemy. Bomb each section, throw over
one or two traverses before advancing, and generally
make the practice as realistic as possible.
7 th P r a c tic e .— Live grenades to he used when the
;personnel are instructed as laid down by General Staff
(para. 4, page 6).

SECTION 3,

P r im it iv e F orms of I m pr o v ise d G r e n a d e s .

“ Brush-back ” or “ Cricket-bat tr Types,

The simplest is one made by fixing a quantity of high
explosive, fitted with time fuse and detonator, to a
handle of woo'd. This, if it strikes a man, will prob­
ably blow him to pieces; if it just misses him, it will pos­
sibly severely injure him by concussion or shock; but
the danger from flying splinters or missiles that will
cause severe injury is reduced to a minimum. Grenades
of this type have been in use, but are obviously very
wasteful of explosive, dangerous alike to both friend
and foe, and at the best are uneconomical. ( Vide Plate
I., fig. 2.)
The defects and limitations of such simple contriv­
ances are so apparent that something more effective
was soon forthcoming, and we find the advent of the
now well-known “ ja m -tin ” grenade. This is an im­
provement on the previous attempt, but it must not
be overlooked that it is, after all, nothing more than
something improvised from such articles as were avail­
able in the immediate vicinity, and a poor substitute
for grenades as now supplied.
 20

,f Jam-tin Ji Grenade.
This, as its name signifies, is constructed from a
jam tin, which forms the containing vessel. A hole is
punched in the base or side of the tin to allow a fuse
to project. I f high explosives are used, the fuse must
also be fitted with a detonator. A ny high explosive
which is procurable may be used with this form of
grenade, but low explosives or propellants are
useless without proper and effective tamping. The
fuse, with detonator attached, is inserted into
the high explosive and the explosive placed into
the tin. Around the explosive is placed any ma­
terial (that will withstand the shock of the explosion)
to act as missiles. Pieces of iron, cartridge cases, nails,
punchings, barbed wire, buttons, or any other pieces of
irregular shaped metal would meet the requirement.
When the grenade is exploded, such missiles will be
driven with considerable force, and if the grenade misses
the man, much damage is still possible, even at many
yards distance. The effects of these grenades have been
highly commented upon, and are regarded as most
deadly, but they are not by any means as effective as it
is possible for them to be manufactured with suitable
appliances and conveniences. They are but an im­
provised type dictated by requirements and a limited
quantity of material suitable for the construction of
more effective designs. (V id e Plates I I . and I I I . )
Jam tins are numerous, explosive plentiful, fuse and
detonators can be obtained in the field, but when a
supply of metal suitable for the filling is required, a
difficulty arises immediately.
They are a bad shape for throwing, large internal
pressures are an impossibility, they are but a poor sub­
stitute for the old grenade of cast iron used years ago,
and are certainly not the type to make for use by our
troops, if the greatest efficiency is aimed at, especially
when every convenience is available for the production
of grenades.
The construction of such jam-tin grenades is simple,
and can be undertaken by any one with a full and com­
prehensive knowledge o f the peculiarities and proper­

KC
 21

ties of fuses, explosives, and detonators which should

he possessed by those intrusted with the making of
these grenades.
There is little danger if the. necessary precautions
are observed, but it should be remembered that all
bombs, grenades, and explosives are dangerous and re­
quire cart and knowledge in handling, but the dangers
diminish with increased knowledge and care in manipu­
lation and avoidance of well-known sources of danger.

SECTION 4?*

GRENADES.
Grenades may be grouped into three classes—
1. Those which require to be lighted by some ex­
ternal means of ignition.
2. Those which have some internal means of igni­
tion and light automatically, or require some
mechanical action to cause ignition.
3. Those which explode on impact or percussion.
Classes 1 and 2, of necessity, are provided with
time fuses o f various designs, which are
usually timed for five seconds.
Apart from the improvised jam-tin and brush-back
(also called cricket-bat at Gallipoli) types already de­
scribed, the next representative of class 1 is the cricket-
ball variety, which is the modern prototype of the
original hand grenade, three of which are described
below.
G r e n a d e s .— C la ss 1— C r ic k e t - ball T y p e s .
(a) Turkish, Gallipoli Grenade.
This consists of a very rough cast-iron spherical ball of
3 inches in diameter, fitted with a hole for the introduc­
tion of the charge tapped and screwed to receive a brass
 22

fuse plug. The fuse plug has a hole in it through which

the fuse is inserted, and is provided with a ring for
carrying purposes. This grenade weighs 1 lb. 6 oz. un­
filled, it can be thrown about 40 yards in the open. Re­
ports from Gallipoli indicate that this is a very effective
grenade. A ny explosive may be used with it, but it is
stated that its effects can be localised when smothered
with a blanket or other material. (Vide Plate I V .)

(6) The British Emergency Grenade.

This is also of the cricket-ball type. It is made of
iron, about the size of a cricket ball and beautifully
finished in every way. I t has a hole for a fuse plug and
introduction of a charge. The fuse plug is made of
iron, and screws into the hole, and fits flush with the
exterior surface of the sphere two tommy holes being
provided to enable the plug to be screwed in. There is
a small projection in the plug, with a hole in it, pro­
vided with about 6 inches of copper wire, which is used
to hold the fuse, or Brock lighter, in position. The
weight is approximately 1 lb. oz. unfilled. A n y ex­
plosive could be used in this grenade. Bellite has been
used as explosive, ( Vide Plate V .)

(c) Australian Law-Adams Grenade.

This grenade is made of cast iron, is 2| inches in
diameter, and weighs 1 lb. 4 oz. It is similar to the
British Emergency and Turkish grenades, being provided
with a hole into which is screwed a brass or gunmetal
fuse plug, which carries the fuse. The hole also serves
the purpose of inserting the charge. The fuse plug is
fitted with a loop for convenience in carrying. The fuse
recommended is the ordinary service slow fuse, which,
when used with high explosives, must be fitted with a
detonator. When available, “ Brock M lighters should
be used.
The specific improvement in this grenade consists of
the internal segmentation, which on explosion causes
the grenade to break up into well-defined segments of

KC
 23

a curved triangular shape, sharp pointed, and sharp

edged. The bursting pressure of this grenade is ex ­
ceedingly high, requiring internal pressures of from 20
to 37 tons to cause fracture. On account of the large
size of the segments and the enormous velocity with
which they are projected, it is doubtful if a blanket or
similar substance could smother them, but this point
has not yet been settled by actual experiments.
Any explosive may be used, either slow burning or
high explosives.
The radius of action on explosion is not less than
40 yards. Individual segments have been found to
penetrate 1 inch of pine.
Grenades of this type are now available for train­
ing purposes, but jam-tin and other varieties should be
used, also, where possible, to accustom grenadiers to
adapt themselves to local circumstances and supplies.
( Vide Plate V I.)
There are many other examples of Class 1, but they
are similar to those described, little variations are intro­
duced for special purposes, as, for example, when it is
desired to use a deliquescent explosive, or when it is
found necessary to employ cast or wrought iron for fuse
plugs instead of brass or gunmetal. These alterations
need cause no confusion, a little consideration will show
the object in view in each case.

SECTION 5.

G r e n a d e s .— C la ss 2.

Those which have some internal means of ignition and

light automatically, or require some mechanical
action to cause ignition.
In this class of grenade the ideal aimed at is to cause
the grenade to light after it has been thrown. So many
serious accidents have occurred owing to fuses being
made of various time lengths that it seemed desirable,
if possible, to make the grenade light automatically.
 24

For tactical reasons also such an arrangement has been

found exceedingly useful. The idea is good, but the
practical methods of carrying it out make the grenade
complex, and if absolute safety is desired the grenades
require to be very carefully made, whilst the cost is enor­
mously increased without any increased efficiency on ex­
plosion. One great general objection to this type is that
the fuse burns for five seconds after it has been thrown,
consequently it is difficult to control the bursting by
one’ s own judgment, as can be done in the case of the
simple fuse.
It is necessary to time the grenade before throwing,
to compensate for distance, so that the grenade will
explode when and where it is desired.
Some cricket-ball types are provided with a fuse plug
and friction-lighting arrangement. The mere pulling
of a wire ignites the fuse, which is timed for five
seconds, as already indicated in other instances. It
is usual with this particular type to wear a strap
buckled round the wrist with cord attached. On the
end of the cord is a swivel hook, which hooks on to the
grenade friction-fuse rod. On throwing the grenade,
the friction rod is jerked out, and the grenade auto­
matically lights, at some distance from the thrower.
( Vide Plate V I I .)
The strap and cord remain with the thrower, and
are ready for further use. In some cases, the cord is
attached to the finger, hut the principle is the same.
This type is extensively used by the French on the
Western Front. ( Vide “ Notes from the F r o n t /’ Part
I I I ., pp. 62-63.)

The Pitcher Grenade.

This is another example of Class 2. ( Vide Plate
V I I I .)
The pitcher grenade consists of a cylindrical cast-iron
case 4 inches long and 2 inches external diameter, seg­
mented outside and closed at the bottom. In shape
it is like a Brasso or Brilliantshine tin, only made of
cast iron. Into this case is placed a metal cylinder
 25

containing the explosive charge (4 oz. of ammonal,

time fuse, and detonator). The top is pro­
vided with a brass cap, which is fitted with a
bridge piece for attaching a piece of tape to. The
cap is secured to the tin by a bayonet joint, and
the tape is packed inside the grenade ; on removing the
cap a piece of tape will be found to be attached to- the
fuse tube. On pulling this tape the grenade will light.
The tube for the fuse has a gutter on, one side of it,
into which the tape, 6 inches long, is packed, and on
the upper end of the tube match-head composition is
placed, and so arranged that the tape rubs over this,
and, by friction, ignites the time fuse. Time of fuse,
five seconds. Any high explosive may be used— bellite,
lyddite, &c.
In this case there is a mechanical lighting arrange­
ment as described, but the grenade may be held and
thrown when one’s judgment dictates. This is not an
ideal shape for throwing, and, although probably effec­
tive from an explosive point of view, it does not appear
to be as good as other types which already exist, and is
fairly expensive. On explosion, the cast-iron case
breaks up into pieces, which act as missiles and cause
damage (quite apart from the shock of detonation) for
some considerable distance. There are two sizes of this
grenade— heavy and light.

The “ Mills “ Hand Grenade.

The next example of Class 2 is the “ M ills ’ J hand
grenade, known in the Service as Grenade Hand No, 5,
Mark I. (V ide Fig. I X .)
This grenade consists of a cast-iron externally seg­
mented shell, roughly egg shaped. It is provided with
a mechanical striking arrangement contained in the body
of the grenade. The striker is operated by a spiral
spring, which is normally in compression, being kept so
by an external lever, which lies flush with the outside.
A safety-pin keeps this lever in position. If this safety-
pin be removed, the spiral spring displaces the lever,
 26

and the striking mechanism ignites the time fuse by

means of a percussion cap.
I f the grenade is held in the hand, however, so that
the lever is covered by the hand, the safety-pin may be
removed— the hand holding the lever in position— but
immediately it is thrown the spring overcomes the effect
of the lever, and the lever is disengaged, and the grenade
ignites.
This striking mechanism is very neat and effective,
and for certain tactical requirements makes a most use­
ful addition to the grenades in use.
The igniting device is contained in an aluminium case
in which two parallel holes are bored. The larger hole
contains the striking pin while the separate component
comprising percussion cap, fuse, and detonator, are
made “ U M shape and lead into the smaller hole. A
reference to the sketch will show the method of arrange­
ment. Access to these holes is gained by removing the
aluminium plug at the base of the grenade. On
the side of the grenade is a screwed plug-hole for the in­
sertion of the explosive T.N .T . (tri-nitrotoluene) or
other high explosive. This grenade is, without
exception, one of the most carefully designed in
use. It is very expensive, very reliable, and safe.
It is open to the objection that no provision
is made to vary the fuse length, so that the grenade
may be timed according to the distance thrown. If the
lever is removed in the hand and the difficulty got over
by this means, many of the advantages of the intricate
and expensive automatic lighting mechanism disappear.
There are other examples of Class 3 which have in­
ternal or external mechanism to cause ignition, some
with springs to do the work, others which require the
grenade to be struck on a hard substance, but the ideas
are the same, viz., to' ignite a time fuse contained in ­
side of the grenade itself. To compensate for distance,
it is necessary to vary the height at which the grenade
is thrown. One man can carry 25 of these grenades in
a box, sand-bag, or basket. These grenades are being
extensively used on the French front at present; they
weigh 1 lb. 4 oz.
 27

[Extract from MInformation to Guide Instruction in

the use of Rifle and Hand Grenades.’ *]
H and G renades N o s . 6 and 7, M ark I.
Description.
The grenades consist of tin vessels filled with high ex-
plosive, and are packed 40 in each packing case, with
four haversacks. The heavy grenade, weight about
1 lb. 13 oz,, contains an outer layer of scrap iron. The
igniter socket is closed by a wooden plug for transit, and
covered by a papier-mache cap.
The light grenade is entirely filled with explosive;
weight, slightly over 1 lb. ( Vide Plates X . and X I .)
The igniters and detonators, packed ten in a tin and
40 in each packing case, consist of a friction igniter, a
length of safety fuse, and a service detonator. The fric­
tion igniter consists of the holder, to which is fixed a
flange with two notches and two springs. It also has
two horns, which form a grip for turning the igniter
into the locked position. The friction bar is fixed to a
button, through which the firing loop passes. The
haversack is intended to be carried similarly to the ordi­
nary service haversack, but the sling is shorter, to cause
the grenades to rest above the hip, ^nd, as far as pos­
sible, clear of other equipment. The loose strings should
be tied round the waist to prevent the pockets sagging
and the grenades knocking against one another.

Preparation of Grenade.
Remove papier-mache cap and the wooden plug from
the igniter socket. Tear the strip from the tin box con­
taining the ten igniters, insert an igniter in the socket,
so that the notches in the flange pass over the brass
studs on the grenade. Turn the igniter in either direc­
tion until it is locked by the springs on the flange and
one of the studs, which is then held between the two
springs. If it is required to remove an igniter, one of
the springs must be kept pressed down while the igniter
is turned till the spring is clear of the stud. Replace
the papier-mache cap and place the grenade in a pocket
of the haversack with the cap uppermost.
 23

Firing the Grenade.

Remove the papier-mache cap; hold the grenade in
the right (or throwing) hand, so that the igniter is to­
wards the wrist, the forefinger over the bottom of the
grenade; pass the forefinger of the other hand through
the firing loop, and, when ready to throw, pull with a
sharp jerk. I f a couple of steps are then taken and
the grenade bowled or thrown, it should explode soon
after reaching the mark.

“ W elsh B erry m H and G r en ad e .

This grenade is of the jam-tin variety, but the light­
ing device brings it under Class 2. I t consists of a tin
2| inches deep by 2 inches in diameter, with a lid made
out of pressed tin plate. A tin tube, 1 inch in dia­
meter, is fitted in the centre of the tin. Between this
tin tube and the outer case, missiles consisting of dumps
or irregular pieces of iron, are inserted, the whole being
kept in position by a covering of resinous material.
The inner tube is lined with cardboard, and is intended
for the explosive. In this connexion it is important
to note the cardboard lin in g ; many explosives de­
teriorate, or may form dangerous compounds, when in
contact with metal.
The lid acts as a cover and support for two tubes
made of iron with very large flanges. These1 give the
lid more rigidity, and add strength to the cover. The
upper tube carries a detonator cap and anvil, and a
hole is provided in this tube, and also1 the lower one,
through which the time fuse passes.
The grenade is ignited by giving the percussion cap
a sharp blow on some hard substance. The percussion
cap is protected by a cover made of tin, which renders
the grenade safe in transit. The detonator and explo­
sive are not inserted until the grenade is required for
use.
A reference to the diagram will make the construction
of this grenade clear. (Plate X I I .)

KC
 29

On the outer case, the instructions given are as fol­

low :—
“ W elsh B erry ” H and G renades w it h P ellets.
Instructions.
1. Keep the safety clip, which protects the percus­
sion cap, on the fuse plug until you are ready
to throw the grenade.
2. To fire, hold the grenade in the throwing hand.
Give the percussion cap a sharp blow against
a hard surface, and throw at once. The
grenade will explode between four and a half
and five seconds after the percussion cap is
struck. As a large number of these grenades
has already been ordered, and will probably
be used by Australian troops at the front,
special attention should be given to the con­
struction and method of use of this grenade.
C r ic k e t - ball T ype.
A similar lighting arrangement to that just described
above has been provided for a cast-iron cricket-ball type
of grenade. The use of such will be precisely similar
to the “ Welsh Berry ” hand grenade, the advantage
being in this case, however, that the shell will break
into irregular fragments, and altogether forms a more
useful and better-designed grenade, easier to throw and
more liable to reach its mark on account of its shape.

SECTION 6.
G K E N A D E S— CLASS 3.
In this class are placed all grenades which explode on
ijnpact or concussion; they are, in some ways, the most
dangerous type, because once the safety-pin has been
removed it only requires a blow to cause detonation.
Those with the long handle and streamers appear to be
particularly open to objection in restricted positions,
such as trenches, and, although the shape and design
may allow of greater range and certainty of explosion
on reaching the enemy trench, still it is procured at
greater danger to ourselves, and is therefore a doubtful
advantage.
 30

G ren ad e , H and , N o . 1, M ark IT.

Grenade, Mark I., is described in Musketry Regula­
tions, pp. 200-203.
The Grenade, Mark I I ., consists of a brass cylinder
encircled by a narrow cast-iron ring serrated to break
up into sixteen fragments. The cylinder is mounted on
a wood block, to which a cane handle, with streamers, is
attached. The brass cylinder or body of the grenade is
filled with explosive, and has its upper end closed by the
detonator holder, fixed by three screws. This holder
carries two pins for securing the detonator. The body
has fitted above the serrated ring two indicating stops,
painted red. The firing needle is carried in the re­
movable cap, which has two grooves formed on it, in
which slide the knobs on the body. The cap is centrally
pierced for the safety-pin.
On the outer surface of the cap are stamped the
words re m o v e /' “ travel,” and “ fire.” When the
knobs are in the groove “ re m o v e /' as indicated by
the stops, the cap can be removed and replaced; the
central position, marked “ travel,” is to be adhered to
normally; while in the position “ fire,” the cap, after
removal of the safety-pin, is held in position by friction
only, and can be pressed inwards to fire the grenade.
The action of the grenade is simply that the cap is
forced in on impact, carrying the needle on to the
detonator, the cap having been turned into the position
“ fire,” and the safety-pin having been removed before
throwing.
Packing.— The grenades are packed six in a wooden
box. Cylinders!— containing ten detonators, No. 1 hand
grenade, Mark I. or I I .— are issued separately.
Preparation.— The cap is removed, a detonator in­
serted in the recess, the grooves in the detonator being
placed opposite the pins on the body, and the detonator
is then pressed home and turned to the left (its flange
being under the heads of the two pins) until the spring
on the detonator flange is released, thus locking it in
position. The cap is then replaced and turned into the
position “ travel.” The safety pin must on no account
be withdrawn during these operations.
 31

The cap from one grenade will not invariably fit an­
other grenade well, and steps should be taken to prevent
caps and grenades being interchanged.

Throwing the Grenade.

When it is required to use the grenades, all on the
belt should be turned to “ fire,” and the whipcord
beckets and leather strips should be removed from the
safety pins.
When a grenade is taken from the belt, the streamer
is unwound and allowed to hang free, and the safety
pin is withdrawn immediately before throwing.
The grenade is grasped by the end of the handle and
thrown in the required direction, care being taken that
the streamer does not get entangled with the thrower.
To insure the grenade firing on impact, it should be
thrown well upwards, at an angle of not less than 35
degrees.
Should the grenade not be used, the cap should be
turned back to “ travel,” and the safety pin replaced
and secured by passing the whipcord becket over the cap
and threading the leather strip through the slot in the
end of the safety pin. ( Vide diagram No. X I I I .)

T he M exican G renade — G ren ad e , H and — H a l e s ’

P a t e n t .

This is another example of Class 3, and is similar

to the one already described, but it will be observed
on reference to Plates X I V . and X V . that the
means of ignition is designed differently. The
grenade has a brass body with an internal tube,
in which is placed the detonator holder and cap, also
the needle pellet. This pellet is securely held in
position by the safety pin, which, when removed,
allows the pellet carrying the striking steel needle to
fall forward on to the detonating cap, but it is pre­
vented from doing so by a small brass spiral’ spring,
called a creep spring. When the grenade strikes an
object, or is suddenly arrested in its flight, the inertia
of the spring is overcome-, and the needle strikes the
C. 187. — B,
 32

percussion cap, which in turn explodes the detonator.

On the upper end of the internal tube is screwed a
detonator holder, into which the detonator and cap is
placed. The grenade is provided with a segmented cast-
iron ring, and is charged with high explosive, as in
other cases. A reference to the diagram will make the
action of this grenade clear. It is advisable to fully
understand the action of this grenade, as the action
of the rifle grenade, to be described later, is similar,
only with a more complex arrangement of release.
Other types of this class of grenade exist, t.e., with
handle and streamers, but there are also some of the
cricket-ball style, that explode on impact and come
under this class. As is usual in the preliminary stages
of invention, classes and types multiply, but eventually
a definite standard of each type will become recognised
and adopted for further use, just as one type of rifle is
common throughout the service of a nation, hut until
that stage is reached it is necessary to ascertain the most
suitable type for general requirements.

H and G ren ade .

This is another example of Class 3 of Australian
origin, which embodies the “ Welsh Berry ; 7 lighting
device. This grenade is of the British No, 1 Mark I. and
Mexican types. The grenade is made of tinned sheet
iron, the body being a conical vessel containing small
pellets of iron, and forming the head or striking end of
the grenade. A tin tube containing the explosive, de­
tonator, and cap forms the handle, and passe® through
the conical top, and on which the body slides, when
sufficient pressure is applied to overcome the resistance
of an internal spiral spring placed in the head of the
grenade. ( Vide Plate X V I .)
On pressing the top of the grenade vigorously, or by
giving it a blow or knock, the body of the grenade is
pressed backwards and detonates the percussion cap,
which explodes the grenade. Explosives may be in­
serted at the last moment by removing the small wooden
handle at the foot.

KC
 33

A cardboard tube fits into the tin tube, and is closed

by means of a cork. On removing the cork (a piece of
tape is provided for such purpose) the explosive may
be inserted. The grenade is fitted with a safety device
consisting of a bent piece of tin held in position by
means of paper and tape. Until this is removed the
grenade is perfectly safe.
To use the grenade, undo the tape attached to safety
device, pull sharply, when the safety clip will be re­
moved. The grenade is then ready for action, and will
explode immediately on percussion. The grenade is
simple and effective, but cheap and elementary in de­
sign compared with others previously described. It
will be noted there is no segmented ring on this grenade,
the missiles being provided by the dumps contained in
the conical body referred to. Half-a-dozen streamers
are attached to the end of the grenade to insure that
the grenade will fall on its head,

SECTION 7.

T he R ifle G ren ade .

Grenade, .303 Short R ifle, No. 3, Marie I. (*/, Pattern).
This is one of the finest examples of Class 3, and is
without exception one of the best-designed in use. It
is finely finished, and this is necessary in order to get
accurate flight, which would be impossible if it were not
well balanced. It consists of a mild-steel cylinder
accurately turned both outside and inside. The out­
side is deeply grooved or serrated, like a motor-cycle
cylinder, and in addition, it is grooved or serrated ver­
tically, so that on explosion it flies into numerous frag­
ments of a pre-determined size. The inside is quite
smooth. (Vtde Plate X V I I .) The length of the cylinder
or body is inches, while the external diameter is
1J inches and the internal diameter 1 3-16 inches. The
top and bottom are closed by means of brass plugs.
The top end is fitted with a screw for the insertion of the
detonator. Down the centre is a brass tube 7-16 inch
in diameter, and between this tube and the iron cylinder
 34

the explosive is placed. The central brass tube carries

the detonator and striker. The striker is a rod of brass
2§ inches long and § inch in diameter. It is fitted
with a needle point around which is a light, brass,
spiral spring (creep spring), which prevents the needle
touching the percussion cap until the grenade is sud­
denly stopped by some obstruction. A brass socket
screws into the lower end of the iron cylinder ; this is
bored out, and forms practically a tube into which the
end of the striker fits loosely. Two holes are bored and
recessed to receive two retaining pins, which, in turn,
fit into a recess in the striking pin and hold it in posi­
tion till free to' fall out. These retaining pins would
fall out unless covered in some way, so a shewed collar
carrying a neat little windmill or vane is screwed to
and covers them, and holds them in position. Below
this wind-vane is a loose brass collar, which would fall
down the socket but is prevented from doing so by a
safety pin, which keeps it in position and hard up
against the bottom of the screwed wind-vane. Into the
bottom of the brass socket is screwed a steel rod
10 inches long, which fits into the rifle barrel, and which
is securely, but lightly, held in position by a steel
spring clip.
A ction of the Grenade when Fired.
The grenade rod is placed into the barrel of the rifle ;
the safety pin is removed after a blank charge has been
inserted into the chamber. On firing, the shock causes
the collar under the wind-vane to slip downwards, this
frees the wind-vane and the force of the air causes it
to rotate. It has been found necessary to pull the
collar do-wn and give the wind-vane about one turn,
instead of trusting to the shock of explosion, to> cause
the initial movement. The wind-vane, being screwed,
unwinds itself and frees the two retaining bolts, which
holds the striker in position, the striker falls forward and
balances on the small spiral creep-spring already al­
luded to. The grenade is now very sensitive, and will
readily explode on the slightest impact or concussion.
A reference to the diagram will make the action clear.
The weight of this grenade is aproximately 1 lb. 2 oz.
 35

The range is 200 yards. There are a number of precau­

tions which must be observed in using this grenade.
Old rifles— short .303— should be used; the action of
this grenade is not conducive to improving the shoot­
ing qualities of the rifle. Old rifles, at the rate of two
per platoon, are issued fo-r this purpose. There is no
gyroscopic motion with this grenade. Ball cartridge
must not be used, as this will burst the rifle. Blank
cartridge is not suitable, but a ball cartridge from
which the bullet has been removed is suitable. Special
cartridges are supplied. D on’ t try and fire the rifle
with grenade from the shoulder, the recoil will impress
the importance of this advice. The rifle should be
rigged up with a special stand and suitable sights, for
in this case one is really using high-angle fire, for which
the ordinary sights are useless.
The safety pin should be in position until about to
fire, the detonator is also inserted when the grenade is
about to be used. The explosive used is bellite, T .N .T .,
or other high explosive. The grenade explodes on im­
pact, and is suitable when the trenches a r e some dis­
tance apart, too far for the ordinary hand grenade.
At first, the spring on striker was made too strong, and
many failed to explode when striking the wire netting
which the Germans used to protect their trenches from
grenade®, &c., but this defect has been remedied— the
spring is made more sensitive.
Package of Grenades.— The wooden box provided
carries twenty grenades in protecting tins with screw-
off lids, twenty detonators, rifle grenades in four tin
boxes with lever lids, and 22 special blank cartridges
in a tin box.
Preparation for Firing.— The grenade is removed from
its tin, and the ebonite plug in its head is unscrewed by
hand. The grenade is held nose down to make sure
that the needle pellet is held by the retaining bolts.
If correct, the detonator is inserted and screwed
home.
The rod is then gently lowered into the rifle, the clips
sprung on to the muzzle, and a blank cartridge inserted
in the chamber.
 36

The safety pin is withdrawn just before firing.

If, after the safety pin has been removed, the
grenade is not used, the safety pin may be replaced
if the screwed ring has not unscrewed and uncovered
the two retaining bolts, but if these are uncovered the
grenade is in a dangerously sensitive condition, and if
so found it should be destroyed. Only the special
detonators and cartridges provided should be used. If
by accident a grenade were fired with a bulleted round,
the rifle would probably burst and injure the firer.
This grenade is very safe to handle, as it cannot be
fired by knocking or dropping on the ground; it must
travel through th'e air some distance before the retaining
bolts fall out.

[Extract from u Notes from ike Front, Part I V F j

N otes by an O ff ic e r E mployed in C harge of th e
G ren ad iers of a D i v is io n .
(i) Rifle Grenades.— The rod is officially rust proof,
but it rusts in the trenches, and should be kept oiled.
(ii) In carrying the grenade, the head of the grenade
should be held and not the rod. The weight of the
grenade is apt to bend the rod, which will then not fit
into the barrel.
(iii) The box sight is too clumsy, and depends too
much on the ground being level. In practice, men can
learn to judge the elevation by observing the trajectory
of the grenade in flight.
(iv) The firer should stand well back from the
parapet, as the grenade, if shown over the parapet,
draws fire.
(v) The detonators are packed in cotton wool, which
absorbs a great deal of wet when a tin is once opened.
This may cause the detonators left in the tin to become
defective.
(vi) A n enemy machine-gun interfering with a work-
ing party at night was silenced by rifle grenades.
 37

(vii) An experiment was tried by shooting rifle

grenades point-blank at the loopholes and parapets of
the trenches where snipers were active. This was done
with great effect, and all sniping ceased in a very short
time. This method was found to be a much more
accurate way of firing the rifle grenades.
(viii) 1land Grenades.— The trench for instruction
should have a parapet front and rear, as one of the
difficulties is to avoid striking the grenade against the
rear parapet.
Pendulum Dial Sight,
A pendulum dial sight, graduated in yards, fo r direct
aim or high elevation, is issued for use with rifle
grenades, and can be easily affixed to the leaf of the
backsight. Should the sight not fit tightly on the leaf,
the spring sides should be slightly pinched in.

M IS C E L L A N E O U S .
Under this heading is included a number o f grenades
which are ingenious in some respects but possessing no
advantages over those already in use. In some cases the
primary use of a grenade is lost sight of amidst a com­
plication of spring levers, triggers, and fuses o f fearful
and wonderful designs. There is one the shape of a
boomerang, containing the explosive charge at the bend
or angle of the boomerang, invented by Russel-Sutton,
which has peculiarities and is worthy of mention, being
unique in design, and if the areo-dynamics were not so
complex might have its uses under certain circum­
stances, but, unfortunately, these circumstances can be
better coped with by other engines of destruction.
Much training is necessary to use this type, and it
suffers from the lack o f uniform ity in balance and
flight. (V ide Plate X I X , 2.)
There is one also of the jumping-jack species, which
is reputed to be capable of complex movement and very
deadly in its action ; it may do all that is claimed of
it, but one has not heard of its practical application.

KC
 38

A fter a careful study of the meagre facts and exami­

nation of several types, on© is lead to regard the old
original spherical ball as the most useful and simple
form of hand grenade. There being no gyroscopic action
possible with a hand grenade, it is the most suitable
and scientific shape. It is very cheap, and its powers
on explosion are fully equal to the more complex shapes.
It may be of Class L , and is then simplicity itself. If
Class II. type is desired, this is easily obtained by mak­
ing the fuse plug with a friction lighter; if Class III.
is required, then it is only necessary to insert a handle
in the fuse plug and concussion detonator in the handle.
The ball gives the least air resistance and uniform pres­
sures, while it allows the centre of gravity to be well
forward, so that there will then be no question of the
grenade falling head downward, and streamers can be
abolished.

SECTION 8.

TR E N C H PE R ISC O PE S.
The dangers of exposure are so obvious in trench war­
fare that if one can see without being seen much valu­
able life will be saved, and more accurate information
obtained when the observer knows he is quite safe while
observing. The use of the periscope permits safe
observation, and such instruments should be used wher­
ever possible, and supplied in sufficient numbers to all
troops engaged in this phase of warfare. They can be
easily improvised for the use of grenadiers, the
following information will enable any grenadier to make
a periscope for himself.
S im ple I m pro vised P erisc o pe for U se of
G r e n a d ie r s .
A periscope is an optical instrument* used for obser­
vation over or round cover without exposing the person
using it. There are many varieties and designs, but the
 39

essential requirements are two plain mirrors fixed in the

same vertical plane and set at a distance from but
parallel to each other at an angle of 45 degrees with
the vertical. These mirrors may be held by light
skeleton metalwork, in which case they may be made
very light and portable, but are usually expensive. On
the other hand, they may be arranged in box form,
when they are more efficient optically, stronger, and less
liable to damage, but obviously are not so portable.
All that is necessary is a wooden box 16 x 5 x 4, with
an opening 3^ x 3^ in the side marked “ A ” (vide
Plate X V I I I .) , and another similar opening on
the side marked (i B .” Two mirrors— “ M ” —
each 4 inches x 4 inches, are set at an angle
of 45 degrees with the vertical. The rays of
light from the object to be viewed strike the
upper mirror and are reflected at 90 degrees down to
the lower mirror, and are then again reflected at an
angle of 90 degrees. The inside of the box should be
blackened, for example, with aniline black. I t should
be noted that this instrument can be used with field
glasses, and, except for a slight loss of light due to
reflections and minor imperfections of the mirror, dis­
tant objects can be viewed with perfect clearness, safety,
and absolute concealment. Using a kerosene case, a
few nails, and two pieces of mirror 4 x 4 , the cost of
which will be 6d., it will be seen that an efficient peri­
scope, as suggested, can be made by any handy grena­
dier. It is strongly urged that grenadiers make such
periscopes for practice purposes when throwing grenades.
( Vide “ Instructions fo r Training,” page 18.)
The length in sketch— 16 inches— is a matter of no
importance, they may equally well be made 2 or 3 feet.
The size of the mirrors can be varied, if desired; there
is little use increasing the vertical depth of the mirrors
unless one is looking for air-craft, but the horizontal
length may be increased with advantage, especially if
one desires to use field glasses, the inches being
rather restricted opening. Periscopes are a very old
invention, but are specially suitable for the present style
of warfare. The periscopes used for submarine work

KC
 40

are similar in principle, only more perfect optical ar­

rangements are used— the mirrors are replaced by re­
flecting prisms, and also magnifying systems are intro­
duced, and means adopted to increase the horizontal
angle of view.
From the principles above-mentioned the use of the
periscope to a rifle will readily be understood, but the
last word has not been said in this direction, at present
it is only an improvised arrangement in the best of
them, and until first principles are adhered to and con­
ventionalities are discarded, a neat and serviceable
weapon will not be forthcoming.

SECTION 9.

FU SES.
There are two types of fuse used in the Service, known
as “ Fuse Safety, No. 9 ,M or more generally as “ Bick­
ford’s,” and the “ Fuse Instantaneous,” Mark I I I .
They are readily distinguished from one another—
first, by the colour, the safety fuse being black, and
the instantaneous orange. They can also be distin­
guished in the dark, as the instantaneous fuse has a
snaking of thread on the outside, so that it is rough to
the feel.
The safety fuse burns at the rate of, approximately,
4 feet per minute, and the instantaneous at the rate of
30 yards per second. (See Plate X I X ., v, vi.)

C a u t io n .

The instantaneous fuse is quite useless for grenades.

C o n str u c tio n .
The safety fuse consists of “ flax spun and twisted
in the same manner as in twine-twisting or cord­
making, with a core of fine gunpowder in the centre.
 41

The flax is covered with guttapercha, and has an ex­

terior coating of tape and varnish, which delays the
oxidation of the guttapercha. It is supplied in her­
metically sealed tins containing 8, 24, or 50 fathoms.
This fuse is coloured black, and will burn under water
at a depth of 90 feet after 24 hours' immersion."
(M .E ., Part 4, page 35.)
The rate of burning of all fuses is liable to alteration
due to various causes— climatic, chemical, and
mechanical. It is therefore always advisable to test
the rate of burning by an actual trial. T o do this, cut
off accurately a known length, say, 1 or 2 feet, light
it, and measure the time of burning. I f it should be­
come necessary to use commercial fuse, the above pre­
caution is most necessary, as the rates of burning are
different from the Service fuse. It is very dangerous to
have fuses of different rates of burning; the Service
fuse, therefore, should be used when possible. Always
use good fuse, because unreliable fuse is very dangerous
in many ways.
Fuses are now tested by X-rays, which show up any
defects in the internal powder column, and a defective
fuse is rejected.

L ig h t in g a F use.
Cut at an angle, so as to expose the powder column
as much as possible. A matchhead or flake of guncotton
placed in or on the end materially assists ignition. The
difficulties in igniting fuse are due to the melting of
the guttapercha, which thus exudes and covers up the
powder column, rendering ignition difficult.
A port fire, slow match, cigarette, and fusee are suit­
able means to ignite fuse.
The usual length of fuse used is timed for five
seconds; 4 inches, therefore, of Service fuse should burn
approximately five seconds.

I mprovements for L ig h t in g .
On account of the difficulties of readily igniting a
fuse (a matter of vital importance to grenadiers), fuses
are sometimes coated with matchhead composition,
 42

which is suitably protected from the weather, &c., by

metal cap or tube. There are two kinds of matchhead
— those which contain phosphorus and those which do
not. The former ignite by simple friction, the same as
a wax match ; the latter require to be rubbed on a pre­
pared surface containing red phosphorus, in exactly
the same way as one strikes a safety match on the pre­
pared surface of the box. W ith the latter type a bras­
sard (worn on the left arm) is used to light the fuse by
friction on its prepared surface.

BRASSARD.
A brassard is an article used by grenadiers to ignite
grenades. It is worn on the left forearm, being secured
by a strap or tied on by tapes. The size is quite im*
material. They may be made of wood, stiff canvas,
linoleum, &c., and are coated with red phosphorus com­
pound, the same as that used on the striking surface of
a safety matchbox. The fuse for use with brassards is
coated with a substance of the same composition as that
used on the head of a safety match. The diagram shows
a simple, but effective, brassard, dimensions 3J inches
x inches, made of wood slightly curved (vide sketch),
tapes, khaki, each 2 feet long and f inch wide, are
tacked on to the wood, care being taken that the tacks
do not protrude through the striking surface.
If one runs short of brassards, the striking surface
of a safety matchbox held in a small tin clip, with tape
attached, could be used.

SLOW M A T C H .
Slow match can be made by steeping rope in a solu­
tion of saltpetre (potassium nitrate) and limewater
and allowing the rope to dry, when it will burn at the
rate of, approximately, 1 foot per hour.

KC
 48

Q U IC K MATCH.
This is made by boiling three strands of cotton wick
in a liquid containing mealed powder and gum, then
dusting the cotton with mealed powder before it becomes
dry. It is then enclosed with flax so as to carry the
flame along rapidly.

P O R T F IR E S.
Portfire, common, consists of a cylinder about
16 inches long and rather more than ^-in. diameter.
It is made of stout brown paper, pasted, rolled, and,
when dry, turned in at one end to form a bottom. The
case or cylinder is driven with portfire composition.
The top has a small hole bored in the composition,
and is primed with mealed powder to make it light
easily. They burn from twelve to fifteen minutes, and
are generally lighted by a slow match. They may be
lit also by any means handy, as a vesuvian, a burning
stick, &c.
Painted flesh colour.

SECTION 1C.

DETO N ATORS FO R USE IN H A N D G R E N AD ES.

Detonators are small metal tubes containing ful­
minate of mercury, which is an exceedingly violent and
dangerous explosive, exploding on slight friction or
percussion, or when heated to 360 degrees Fahr.
Detonators are used to explode or detonate less ex­
plosive substances, which substance, in turn, may be
used to explode or detonate still less explosive com­
pounds. For example, wet guncotton is very difficult to
detonate, dry guncotton is easy to detonate, and ful­
minate of mercury very easily detonated. To ignite
a charge of 15 oz. of wet guncotton it is necessary to
detonate it with dry guncotton— 1 oz. dry primer being
 u

used to detonate it— the dry guncotton being detonated

with a detonator containing 35 grains of fulminate of
mercury. A detonator alone is sufficient for explosion
of the usual commercial explosives.
There is a vast difference between ignition and de­
tonation, but the subject is too complex to explain here.
Text-books for explosives should be referred to for
further information on this subject.
Gunpowder in a grenade can be exploded by simply
using a fuse, but to properly explode dynamite, gun­
cotton, gelignite, tri-nitro-toluene, lyddite, &c., a de­
tonator must be used if the full value of those so-called
high explosives is to be attained.

S e rv ic e D etonator .
The detonator used in the Service is designated No.
8, Mark IV ., and contains 35 grains of fulminate of
mercury placed in a tapered metal tube inches long
and nearly as large in diameter as an ordinary lead
pencil. The end containing the fulminate is closed,
the other end is left open, so as to receive the fuse.
Over the fulminate is placed a plug of wood with a hole
in it, through which passes a small piece of quick-
match, The detonator is held on to the fuse by simply
pinching the tube. There are special pincers used for
this purpose. This operation is necessary, otherwise the
fuse is liable to be blown out, and may prevent igni­
tion .
Those detonators are painted red, and require the
greatest possible care in handling, there being suffi­
cient explosive in the detonators themselves to cause
serious bodily injury. (V ide Plate X I X ,, iii., iv.)
C ommercial D eton ators .
Commercial detonators are made of solid-drawn
copper tubes closed at one end and partially filled with
an explosive compound, viz., fulminate mercury and
chlorate of potash.
They are made in various sizes, and numbered I
to 8.

KC
 45

No. 3 is 26 millimeters in length and 5.5 millimeters

in diameter, and contains 8.3 grains of fulminate.
No. 6 is 35 millimeters in length and 6 millimeters
in diameter, and .contains 15.4 grains of fulminate.
No. 8 is 55 millimeters in length and 6 millimeters in
diameter, and contains 30.9 grains of fulminate.
No. 6 is suitable for most commercial explosives, but
the No. 8 detonator is required for exploding some of
the leas sensitive explosives, such as the nitrate of
ammonium compounds.
Commercial detonators are packed in boxes of 100,
and require to be handled with the same care as the
Service detonator. In some ways the Commercial de­
tonators (especially on account of their short length)
are more suitable for grenades than the Service de­
tonator. They are very much cheaper, and quite re­
liable. They are fixed on to the fuse by means of a
special pair of nippers, but miners, who are constantly
handling them, nearly always do the compressing with
their teeth. This is all right if one bites the right
end, but it is a dangerous practice, and should never
be allowed.
Detonators should at all times, unless when actually
being used for detonating purposes, be kept separate and
apart from explosives of all kinds. The safest way to
keep them is to bury the box containing them, and
under no circumstances should they be stored with other
explosives.

SECTION 11.

E X P L O S IV E S .
Officers and expert grenadiers should have some
elementary technical knowledge of explosives they are
likely to handle when dealing with grenades. The fo l­
lowing notes on explosives may be found useful for
instructional purposes: —
Many substances explode under certain conditions.
By that it is meant that there is a sudden disruption
 46

of matter, and usually there is an enormous increase in

volume. Certain substances, however, explode witho
any increase in volume due to internal strain or stress,
&c. From time to time one hears of explosions of coal
dust, flour, and other solids, in which case it is really
a very rapid combustion due to the substances being
intimately mixed with air. The heat generated and the
by-products of combustion occupying a very much
greater volume than before cause the effect of explosion.
An explosive, as generally understood, is a substance
composed of combustible matter and containing its own
supporter of combustion. This may be oxygen derived
from certain salts, but it need not necessarily be so.
It may be expected that there is always a change of
initial volume on explosion, though that volume may
ultimately resort to normal. Such changes do- not take
place instantaneously, but require a certain duration of
time for the actions to complete themselves, but the
time necessary for complete explosion to take place
is varied in different explosives. Those which take
comparatively long time are called low explosives, and
are usually employed as propellants, for example, gun­
powder and cordite. It should be noted that these
substances do not burn or explode at a given definite
rate, but even with them the time varies, according to
the size of the grain in the case of gunpowder, or on
the dimension of the cord’s thickness in the case of
cordite. If a large gun using gunpowder were charged
with fine grain, such as is used in a Martini-Henry cart­
ridge, it would probably hurst, but if charged with
prism powder the propellant effect would be attained
without undue pressures. Likewise with cordite, if
the fine cords used in a .303 cartridge were employed
in charging a 16-in. gun, disastrous results would
ensue, yet the same weight of cordite, if made in large
dimensions, is used without trouble, because the larger
pieces require a longer time to burn, and th© time of
explosion is therefore prolonged. Other explosives are
very rapid in action, so'rapid that they cannot be used
as propellants (except when suitably diluted or retarded
 47

by the addition of other substances). Substances which

explode so readily as indicated are designated high ex­
plosives, and their effect is to shatter and destroy. It is
obvious, therefore, that these are generally more useful
for grenade work, where it is desired to shatter a grenade
or to destroy obstacles. Propellants such as gunpowder
and cordite may he used with good effect in certain
grenades, but will be quite useless in others. As a
general rule, it may he accepted that high explosives
are the more suitable for grenades*
Gunpowder may be exploded by means of a time fuse
only, but the high explosives require a detonator, and
this should always be used in order to get the full effect
and value of these explosives.

Gunpow der.
This is one of the oldest explosives known. I t is a
mechanical mixture of potassium -nitrate, sulphur, and
carbon. These substances are intimately incorporated
by grinding and other operations. It is one of the best
examples of a slow-burning explosive or propellant, and
for hundreds of years was the only explosive used for
ordnance. Its colour and appearance are familiar to
all, but certain kinds of gunpowder look quite different
from what we usually see in commercial life. The d if­
ferences in appearance and colour are due to the various
kinds of carbon (wood charcoal) used. Some samples of
gunpowder are black, others slate or brown. The size
of the grains varies from very small particles up to
larger pieces, shaped prisms, or cubes. Powder is graded
into various sizes, and designated accordingly.
The rate of explosion alters enormously, depending
on the size of the grains, the finer the grain the faster
the rate of explosion; prismatic powder being about the
slowest.
The percentage composition of gunpowder varies con­
siderably, but usually is— nitre, 75 per cent.; carbon.
15 per ce n t,; sulphur, 10 per cent.
For grenades, the fine-grain samples are the most
suitable, but it is by no means an ideal explosive for
such purpose.
 48

Gunpowder deteriorates by damp, It is safe to handle

in transport. It is unaffected by climatic conditions,
very simple in use, compact, does not explode readily
by percussion, and can be exploded by fuse alone. To
get the best results, however, from gunpowder careful
tamping is necessary.
G uncotton ( N itro C ellu lo se ).
This explosive is extensively used in the Service, and
complies with the conditions required, viz,, safety in
use and transport, stability under climatic conditions,
and simplicity in use. It is fairly compact, and being
a high explosive does not require tamping.
Guncotton is made by the action of a mixture of
nitric and sulphuric acid on cellulose (e.g.> cotton wool).
After the cellulose has been immersed in the acid, very
little alteration is observable, but the action of the
acids has converted it into one of the most important
explosives known. Guncotton used in the Service is
compressed into slabs weighing 15 oz. and measuring
6 inches x 3 inches x 1§ inch. In this form it is usually
kept wet. Every slab has a cylindrical hole in it mea­
suring 1.3 inch in diameter. This is used for the in­
sertion of a dry primer o f guncotton. Wet guncotton
is more powerfully explosive than dry cotton, but is
very difficult to detonate.
Guncotton is also compressed into primers, which are
kept dry, and are usually coated with paraffin wax.
These cylindrical primers weigh 1 oz., and measure
1.25 inch high by 1.3 inch in diameter, and are pro­
vided with a conical perforation for the insertion of
the Service detonator, which is used to detonate it.
Dry guncotton will detonate wet guncotton, and to ex­
plode a slab of wet guncotton a dry primer is inserted
in the hole provided for the purpose in each slab, and a
detonator with fuse attached is inserted into the conical
perforation of the primer.
Dry guncotton burns quietly in small quantities with­
out explosion if ignited and unconfined, but large quan­
tities may explode under similar conditions.
The products of combustion are different from the
products formed on detonation.
 49

Wet guncotton requires large quantities of high ex­

plosive to detonate it, so dry primers are always used
for tli© purpose with the usual detonator attached. It
is very safe, and does not deteriorate even after the
lapse of many years if kept at moderate temperatures
and away from sunlight.

Precautions.
Wet guncotton can be sawed, bored, or cut with
safety. Always use wet tools and avoid dust, fluff, or
grit of any description. Destroy all chips and dust.
Never cut or saw dry guncotton.
N itro - glycerine and D e r iv a t iv e E x p l o s iv e s .
Nitro-glycerine is made by the action of a mixture
of sulphuric and nitric acids on glycerine, in the same
manner as cellulose or cotton is converted into nit-ro-
cotton or guncotton Nitro-glycerine is a heavy oily
liquid, its specific gravity 1.6. It varies in colour,
some specimens being yellow or brownish-yellow. It
has a very sweet taste, is poisonous, but odorless. It
causes sickness and headache if introduced into the sys­
tem. It explodes at a temperature of 360 degrees
Fahr.j or by shock or detonation. It burns if ignited.
It is quite useless for grenades, and explosives contain­
ing nitro-glycerine mechanically mixed, as, for example,
dynamite, &c,, should be avoided.
There are many of the most useful explosives known
which contain nitro-glycerine, for example, cordite,
gelignite, &c., but in these cases the nitro-glycerine is
so combined that segregation of the liquid is impossible.
Nitro-glycerine is too dangerous to be used by itself.

D yn a m ite .
Dynamite No. 1 is a mixture of nitro-glycerine ab­
sorbed in an inert base, kieselguhr, which is an in­
fusorial earth found principally in Germany and Scot­
land, and consists of shells of diatomacese, which are
highly absorbent. Seventy-five per cent, of nitro­
glycerine is absorbed by 25 per cent, kieselguhr. The
 50

colour is buff to reddish-brown, and dynamite looks

something like red putty. It is a very powerful ex­
plosive, but is much affected by low temperatures, which
cause the nitro-glycerine to freeze, in which state it
should not be used, and requires to be thawed, in doing
which numerous frightful accidents have occurred.
Under other conditions the nitro-glycerine is liable to
separation. It is less powerful than guncotton.
Dynamite No. 2 is milder and slower than dynamite
No. 1. It is black in colour, and consists of 18 per
cent, nitro-glycerine and 82 per cent, of a rough gun­
powder. Dynamites can be detonated easily with the
usual commercial dynamite cap.

B lastin g G e l a t in e .
This is one of the most powerful explosives known.
It is composed of 93 to 95 per cent, of nitro-glycerine
and 7 to 5 per cent, of nitro-cellulose (guncotton). It
is 50 per cent, stronger than dynamite, and freezes at
40 degrees Fahr., when it becomes more sensitive. In
this respect it is different from dynamite. It is a gela­
tinous mass, varying in viscosity and appearance. Some
samples look like leather, others more like a thick glue.
It is not affected by water, and can be kept in water.
It is clean and safe. Like most modern explosives, it
is made up into cartridges, which are wrapped up in
special parchment paper with the contents, &c., clearly
printed on the outside. It can be detonated by a
Service or commercial cap.

G elatine D y n a m it e .
This is a modification of blasting gelatine, and con­
tains nitro-glycerine, nitro-cellulose, potassium nitrate,
and woodmeal. It is a very useful explosive.

G e l ig n it e .
This is another modification of blasting gelatine. It
has similar ingredients and properties, but cheaper and
more suitable for certain classes of mining work. It is
also done up in cartridges similar to dynamite, &c.,
 51

and is a suitable explosive for use in grenades. Its

composition is 80 per cent, to 60 per cent, of nitro­
glycerine, 8 per cent, of guncotton, 7 per cent, of wood-
meal, and 20 per cent, of nitre.

C o r d it e .
Cordite is a well-known propellant used in the British
and Japanese services with small arms and the largest
guns. It varies in appearance, depending on the thick­
ness of the cords or threads, in which form it is manu­
factured. It is a tough gelatinous substance, and its
name is derived from the cord-like forms in which it
is made. The thinner variety, as used in small arms,
looks like a gut violin string, while the large sizes, used
for big guns, look brown or yellow in colour. It is
composed of 30 per cent, nitro-glycerine, 65 per cent,
guncotton, and 5 per cent, mineral jelly, incorporated
by means of a solvent such as acetone. This latter sub­
stance, however, is not one of the constituents of the
final product. Cordite has proven it is one of the finest
propellants in existence. Stable, safe, and easily
handled, but being a propellant it is not an ideal sub­
stance for use in grenades. I t can be used, however,
but much better effects can be obtained from one of the
shattering or high explosives.

E m pire P o w d e r .
Empire powder is another substance used, consisting
of 84 per cent, guncotton, the balance being nitre and
starch.

B a l l is t it e .
Ballistite is a powder generally made in flakes of
various sizes, and, except for a few technical move­
ments, is similar to cordite.

T o n it e .
Tonite— another high explosive— is formed by im­
pregnating guncotton with one or more nitrates. It is
supplied in cylinders 2 inches in diameter, of weights
 52

£ lb., ^ lb., and 1 lb., and in 5-lb. blocks measuring

5 inches cube. I t is detonated with a large-size com­
mercial cap, supplied by the manufacturers of the ex­
plosive. (M .E ., 1910, Fart I V ., p. 90.)

N it r o - ben zin e E x p l o s iv e s .
Nitro-benzine, frequently used as an essence con­
tained in oil of bitter almonds, is the basis of many im­
portant commercial explosives. These explosives are
readily distinguished by the well-known odor. Nitro-
benzine is an active poison.

R o b u r it e ,
This explosive is essentially a mixture of nitrate of
ammonium with chlorinated di-nitro-benzine. I t is a
brownish-yellow powder, and is volatile without explo­
sion. I t burns in the open with difficulty. It is de­
liquescent, i.e.y it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere,
and is therefore objectionable, as it is quite useless while
wet.

S e c u r it e .
Securite consists of 26 parts of di-nitro-benzine and
74 per cent. of ammonium nitrate. It is a yellow
powder, and is likewise deliquescent, and has the
familiar odor of bitter almonds.

B e l l it e .
This is used in certain grenades at present. It is a
similar compound to securite, and contains 20 per cent,
of di-nitro-benzine and 80 per cent, nitrate of am­
monium. This explosive is of Swedish origin.

R ack arock .

Rackarock is another of the di-nitro-benzine com­

pounds. I t consists of potassium chlorate, to which is
added a quantity of di-nitro-benzine. Other hydro­
carbons' are frequently used for this purpose. I t is
 53

very safe, and a very popular explosive in certain dis­

tricts. Detonation is carried out by means of a dynamite
cap, &c.

P ic r ic - a cid E x p l o s iv e s .
Picric acid is extensively used as a high explosive.
It has a bitter taste, and commercially is used as a dye,
producing a most-brilliant yellow colour. It ignites
with great difficulty, and burns with a very smoky
flame. It is not usually considered an explosive, but
some of the metallic solids which it forms are exceed­
ingly explosive. In the crystalline powder in which it
is usually found it can be detonated with difficulty. Its
specific gravity is 1.6. Guncotton can be used to de­
tonate it. Picric acid is made by the action of nitric
acid on carbolic acid or phenol. I f picric acid is fused
and solidified, its explosive properties are enormously
increased. It is then known as lyddite in the British
Service, melinite in the French Service, while the
Japanese call it Shimose powder.
It is interesting to note that certain gums or resins
found in Australia and New Zealand are capable of
producing large quantities of this compound. Germany
has for many years purchased supplies of such gums
ostensibly for the production of varnishes.

T r i -n it r o - toltjene (T .N .T .).
Toluene is a liquid hydro-carbon obtained with benzine
from coal-tar and kindred substances. The action of
nitric acid and sulphuric acid produces tri-nitro-toluene,
vide similar reactions in the case of glycerine and
cotton. This substance melts at 80 degrees Cent., is in­
soluble in water, and burns quietly if ignited. It can
be easily detonated, however, by fulminate of mercury
contained in our Service detonator, or by a commercial
cap. It is capable of many modifications, and is known
in the service asr T .N .T ., or trotyl. I t is used by prac­
tically all the belligerents at present. I t is a very
cheap and very safe explosive, and exceedingly power­
ful. It varies in price from Is, 2d. to Is. lOd, per lb.
 54

A mino E x p l o s iv e s .
Certain explosives with radical N .H .2 as the basis
are known, and are used commercially.

A m m o n a l .

This is a compound which is used in certain grenades,

as, for example, the " P itc h e r/' the composition of it
being trotyl, or T .N .T ., 31 per cent., ammonium
nitrate 44.9 per cent., metallic aluminium 24.1 per
cent. There are numerous other explosives which are
being investigated and used, and which bid fair to sur­
pass in good qualities many of those mentioned, tri-
nitraniline, for example, hut to try and describe these
would probably be of little use to' grenadiers, as one is
then entering into technicalities too uninteresting for
the average man.

S a x o n ite .
This is an exjjlosive containing gelignite and am­
monium oxalate.

C a r b o n it e .
This substance contains nitro-glycerine, oakbark,
nitre, and barium oxide.

M onobel .
This is another explosive used commercially, contain­
ing nitro-glycerine, woodmeal, and nitrate of ammonium.

F u l m in a t e s .
No description of explosives would be complete with­
out a reference to the fulminates. They are most
violent, dangerous, and delicate explosives, and are only
used in the very smallest quantities in percussion caps,
commercial and Service detonators. Mercury fulminate
is most generally used. When wet, it is not explosive.
It is made by dissolving mercury in nitric acid and
 pouring this into alcohol, when the fulminate precipi­
tates and falls to the bottom as a yellow sandy mass. It
is then well washed and packed in calico bags holding
from 10 to 20 lbs., which are always stored in water
and transported in water. For use, it is dried on a
steel plate, and this constitutes one of the most
hazardous operations in the manufacture of explosives.
For use in the detonators it is mixed with potassium
chlorate, which increases its sensitiveness. The charg­
ing of the caps is done automatically by special and
delicate machinery from a distance of about 30 feet,
and the greatest possible care has to* be exercised in the
manufacture of these detonators, and also' in the hand­
ling of them in the field. The slightest scratch, shock,
or undue pressure may cause them to explode, and there
is enough in an ordinary Service detonator to shatter
a limb, if not to cause some more serious injury. Most
of the explosives used commercially can be fairly safely
handled, but in the case of the fulminates one cannot
emphasize too often the danger of rough handling.

[Extract from Military Engineering (Part I V .),

“ Mining and Demolitions,” 1910.]
A p pe n d ix 1.
Tests for Explosives.
1. Dynamite, blasting gelatine, and gelatine dynamite
should be tested as laid down in “ Regulations for Arm y
Ordnance Services, paragraphs 388-396.
2. Test for bellite, securite, roburite, and other ex­
plosives containing ammonium nitrate.-— The danger
with these explosives lies in their getting damp and fail­
ing to explode. A few cartridges should be detonated
in the open to see that they are serviceable.
Test for sensitiveness of chlorate explosives.— Place
a small quantity of the explosive on a stone or wood
floor and give it a glancing blow with the end of a
common broomstick held lance-wise. I f the sample will
explode easily on a stone floor, it should not be used for
charging boreholes, and if it will explode on a deal floor
it should be used with care. This test is only applicable
to explosives containing chlorates.

KC
 56

SECTION 12.

O R G A N IZ A T IO N OF G R E N A D IE R S .
This appears, at present, to be subject to change from
time to time, and no well-defined organization seems to
exist.
Circular memorandum 454, page 14, states the num­
ber to be trained in each Light Horse regiment, In ­
fantry battalion, &c., but, in addition to the numbers
laid down there, the following is additional:— “ It is
not intended to limit the number of men who should
have some knowledge of grenades generally.” From
information received, about 25 per cent, of each battalion
is being organized into grenadiers at the present time,
but there are indications that this number will be
greatly increased in the near future.
The personnel selected as grenadiers should be, first
of all, good soldiers, should have completed their
musketry course, &c. They should be plucky, but not
clumsy, brave and steady in emergency, and selected
from the very best men available. In each battalion
there ought to be a definite number of experts who can
teach and hand on information of any fresh facts
which may arise periodically. A party of from ten to
fifteen appears to be the most suitable unit, but this
will vary according to the local circumstances and con­
ditions, and must be altered when necessary to suit the
task in hand.
The instructions issued by the Imperial General Staff,
Section I, will be taken as the standard, but for in­
formation, some notes compiled from memorandum
from the G.O.C. 19th Infantry Brigade are attached
here for guidance, also some notes on bomb fighting at
Gallipoli by Captain I). W. Edwards are attached for
information. Until further instructions are issued
the training and organization as set forth by the Im ­
perial General Staff wTill he followed by all concerned
as being the latest standard information on the
subject.
 57

H and G renades in T rench W a r f a r e .

The following notes, compiled from a circular memo­
randum by G.O.O. 19th Infantry Brigade, are
produced for guidance: —
In the attack it is doubtful if hand grenades would
be of much use till the first trenches are captured. If
held up, e.gti by wires, near the hostile trenches, it is
possible that a hand-grenade party might be of use to
pitch grenades into the enemy's trenches, but it is un­
likely that grenades would be up at that period of the
action.
The time when they will be of most use in attack
on opposing trenches will be when the front trenches
are gained. Hand grenades should then be sent up
each of the communication trenches and along the fire
trench. In either case the best position to take up
would be in the trench behind a traverse or bend, from
which cover grenades would be thrown at any of the
enemy approaching.
2. To organize a grenade party, the following is
suggested: —
Squad to consist of two men (with rifles and
bayonets), two men for throwing (rifles slung),
and two men to carry basket of grenades
(trained as throwers to replace casualties), and
one N .C .O . in charge of squad.
3. The party would move off up the trench in the
following o rd e r:—■
Man with rifle and bayonet ready for use.
Bomb-throwers with grenades.
Carrier with basket of grenades.
N.C.O.
Second thrower.
Second carrier.
Spare man.
As soon as the first basket of grenades is finished, it
should be passed back for a further supply, and the full
basket of the second carrier passed to the No. 1 carrier.
 58

4. The grenade squad should act on the offensive,

bombing the enemy wherever found, and then pressing
on to bomb the next section between traverses; for if
they remain stationary when the enemy is approaching
they will be located, and probably themselves bombed.
5. W hen an enemy's fire trench has been captured,
it will be necessary to make a second advance, usually
from the communication trenches, after which the next
trench will have to be tackled, the bombing squad being
split in two and turned outwards, so as to avoid being
taken in the rear.
6. In the defence, grenade squads are probably best
in the support trenches, ready to advance up communi­
cation trenches to meet the enemy should he take the
fire trench and try to advance*

B omb F ig h t in g and M ethod o f T r a in in g , b y C aptain

D. W . E d w a r d s , 7 th B a tta l io n , A .I .F .
Trench Fighting,
When two opposing forces are entrenched in close
proximity with each other, bombing is resorted to for
the purpose of destroying his works and keeping him
in subjection; to do this sucessfully two definite types
of bombs are used, one to exterminate the enemy, the
other (the heavy type) to destroy overhead covers and
parapets.
Bombs manufactured and used in Gallipoli: —
Type A , for use against individuals, has three
classes, viz. :—-
Class I .— Jam-tin bomb.
I I .— Cricket-ball bomb.
I I I .— Matchhead bomb.
Type B, for demolition of works and overhead
cov er: —
Class I .— Lotbiniere bomb.
I I .— Trench mortar bombs.
 69

Type. A.
Class I.— It was found necessary to manufacture
bombs at Anzac and to overhaul bombs of a faulty
character made in Egypt. We could make a very effec­
tive bomb from 1-lb. jam tins and other tins of the
same size, called the jam-tin bomb. This bomb had
three compartments— the inside chamber, about an inch
in diameter, contained the charge; the second chamber,
2 inches in diameter, filled with broken resin; the third,
or outside chamber, filled with broken pieces of shell
hammered smaller on anvils at the bomb depot.
Class I I .— The standard type of Class A bomb is
called the cricket-ball bom b; of these, there are three
or four known kinds. These bombs are constructed of
cast iron, and are about \ inch thick and 3£ inches in
diameter; they have various attachments for lighting
the fuse, the one most used and looked for is the plain
type, tlie fuse of which the bomber places the end
against a smouldering piece of bag rolled round a stick,
placed so that it is easily got at when the bomb requires
lighting. A ll bomb fuses have been stardardized, that
is, a five-second fuse, bombs having fuses of incorrect
length are returned to depot and fused afresh.
Class I I I .— The matchhead bomb has the same
peculiarities as the cricket-ball bomb, the difference in
the fuse having a head like a safety match, which, after
the copper protector being removed, would light readily
when rubbed on a brassard or any other friction sur­
face. The concussion from these bombs being very
strong, and the radius of effect in a trench 3 feet wide
is about 6 feet.

Type B (H eavy Bomb).

Class I.™ The Lotbiniere bomb (or cricket-hat bomb)
is used when a shattering effect is required, A piece of
guncotton 8 x 4 x 2 is strapped to a piece of wood
shaped with a handle like a small cricket bat. The ends
of the guncotton kept firm by two pieces of wood fast­
ened at the top and bottom of the bat. A hole for
 60

the detonator is in the centre of slab, and this is con­

nected to a five-second fuse. These bombs are used
against overhead cover, built so as to give the enemy
bombers a place of security after they had thrown a
bomb of type A .
It was found that two of type B bombs, Class I.,
thrown at one spot had a very great effect and loosened
all cover and parapets in the vicinity of explosion, but
not so much as to cause damage to our own works.
Class I I .— Trench mortar bombs are used against the
enemy’s works and trenches. They are situated from
100 to 300 yards from the enemy’ s trench. This type
was largely used by the Turks against our positions in
Lone Pine, and had serious effects when well aimed
and struck the parapet.

Training of Bombers.
It is essential that every man should be conversant
with both types of bombs, and trained that he can
quickly obtain superiority over his opponent by bom b­
ing, the same as rifle Are; this must be obtained, other­
wise loss of life occurs in the trenches, and men easily
become demoralized owing to the developing of a heavy
fire by opposing bombers, who, having gained a tem­
porary advantage, will advance until they can look into
the trenches, and thus cause heavy casualties. The
Turk is a very daring bomber, and will creep up to our
own works just to throw one bomb.

Method of Training.
Bombers, then, should aim at personal superiority,
combined with resource and energy.
When a soldier in the trenches proves a very accurate
bomber he is given a responsible post, where he can
enfilade a section of the enemy’ s trench.
It wag found necessary to instruct men in bombing
after they had landed on the Peninsula, as this training
was not carried out in Australia or Egypt.
Men upon arrival were allotted to units in the R ein­
forcement Training Camp, 1st Division, and there had
to pass tests in bombing, bayonet fighting, and rifle Are,
 61

so that they could work efficiently with the more experi­

enced soldiers when allotted to units serving in the
trenches.
Training is carried out as follows: —
1st Stage.— Throwing jam tins filled with old pieces
of shell, the weight being about the average weight of
a bomb of Class A . The men are- taught to throw
straight, and later to increase their length of throw.
2nd Stage,— Men taught to throw dummies into a
small trench, 2 feet long, 4 feet wide, 1 foot deep; dis­
tance, 20 yards; later this distance is increased to 25
yards, then to 30 yards, this being the limit of effective
range of bombers.
3rd Stage,— Men taught to* throw from a trench
4 feet deep into another trench 15 to 20 yards away,
and to attack each section as ordered.
4th Stage.— Men taught to light fuses of dummy
bombs in trench before attacking named sector, com­
bined with holding bomb while fuse is burning, in
order that desired effect may be obtained; that is, high
explosion on parapet, explosion in trench, or explosion
on bottom of trench.
Bombs are held, according to the distance between
trenches, about one second, 20 yards; two seconds,
15 yards; two and a half seconds, 10 yards; bomb ex­
ploding just inside parapet of enemy trench.
5th Stage.— -Men taught use of periscope as observers
of bomb fire, explaining to bomber where target is, and
watching for results.
6th Stage.— Bombers work in pairs, the observer
locates target, the bomber throws the bomb, crouched
up against post in left-hand corner, observer in the
right, or otherwise; results watched for through peri­
scope; both bomber and observer under cover.
Principles governing bombing in trenches: —
1st,— It must be understood that at night both
bombers take position in post, and expose themselves
(head and shoulders), watching for positions from
whence enemy bombs are coming, when they will at once
endeavour to bomb him out.
 62

2nd.— It was found necessary to use two bombs to

the enemy's one in order to silence him, this having the
desired effect of conserving the bomb supply, besides
gaining individual superiority.
3rd.— Reserve of bombs in first-line trenches kept
as low as possible, consistent with tactical situation and
the knowledge gained of the enemy's future movements
from prisoners, patrols, or air craft; this being neces­
sary as a safeguard against the enemy becoming pos­
sessed of a good supply of bombs in the event of him
taking the trenches occupied by our forces.
4th.— A ll heavy bombs— Class B — are kept at bat­
talion head-quarters, and only four allowed to be in
a trench at one period, conditions being normal; only
experienced bombers or officers are allowed to use Class
B bombs, as they are only required against particular
objectives and require careful handling.
5th.— All enemy bombs which fall unexploded into
trenches are collected and taken by fST.C.O. to battalion
head-quarters, they are then sent to the depot, where
they are overhauled, and re-fused, and issued for use.
(This procedure was found necessary owing to accidents
caused by enemy throwing bombs with an instantaneous
fuse, which killed the bomber who lit it.) In the
excitement, a bomber is apt to forget the time of fuse
attachment to enemy bomb, or not make correct allow­
ance when throwing, thus causing inaccurate fire.
6th.— To get required result it is necessary to time
each bomb correctly before throwing, this is done by
tapping bomb with the forefinger, counting 1— 2— 3
before throwing, the count falling on every second beat
of finger. This was found to be the most accurate and
easy method of timing each throw.
7th.— Men should not be taught in larger bodies
than eight or ten when instructing in the first or second
stage.
8th.— Lectures should be given on different types of
bombs and their component parts, thus making men
familiar with bombs and increasing their interest in this
type of fighting.

KC
 63

9th.— Reliefs when resting in recesses in firing line

are safeguarded from bomb fire by overhead cover,
and two men on duty, called blanket men, stationed
one at each end of overhead cover, whose work it is,
immediately a bomb reaches the bottom of trench, to
cover it with blanket or old overcoat, to smother the
effect of explosion. This method is very effective, as
no fragment of bomb escapes.

SECTION 13.
MORTARS, SPR IN G GUNS, A N D C A T A P U L T .
The above are used to throw bombs, and have the
advantage that they can project these missiles at a
greater distance than is possible by 'hand. A ny hand
grenades or bombs may be thrown by these machines,
but the larger the size the shorter the range. These in
struments are generally rather bulky, and require very
deep and comparatively wide trenches. Special trenches
require to be made to use these weapons. Such trenches
are usually placed in rear of the foremost firing line
and to a flank of a communication trench. Although
it seems a revision of the most primitive methods of
projection, there are certain advantages to be gained
by such simple contrivances. The noise is small com*
pared with a gun or mortar, and for that reason, there­
fore, a certain amount of secrecy is obtainable, which in
itself is a considerable protection. There is no smoke,
no flash, and nothing is visible from the surface to inj
dicate the position of these weapons, and they could be
easily screened from view from aeroplanes, their com­
paratively small size making it practically impossible for
them to he observed except at night, when the fuse may
disclose their position.
T rench C a t a p u l t .
This machine is simply an enlarged shanghai, the
propelling force being due to rubber bands put in ten­
sion by means of a rack-and-pinion gear, three to one,
and piece of steel wire rope, about the thickness of an
ordinary clothes line, attached to a pocket which holds
the grenade or bomb. The attachment to the pocket is
composed of a clip or hook with a releasing arrangement
which acts as a trigger.
C.187.—C.
 64

The range of this weapon is determined by the ten­

sion exerted on the rubber bands. A rough scale is
provided on the centre beam of the catapult, marked oti
only as a guide. The elevation is arranged for by means
of a small clinometer of very sample design placed on
the side of the central beam or bar.
The simplicity of this apparatus makes it difficult
to describe, but reference to Plate X X I . will show how
primitive and simple the whole arrangement is.
The framework of the catapult is made of wood suit­
ably screwed and bolted together, and it is 12 feet over
all. The rubber bands consist of ^-in. circular rubber
of the best quality, six or more in each bundle, there
being two bundles, one on either side of the pocket. The
pocket for holding the grenade is made of canvas, with
a rope top. The rubber bands are secured to the cata­
pult by means of cord, and the pocket is secured to the
rubber bands also by cord. The steel wire attached to
the gear box passes over a pulley at the tail end of the
catapult, and is brought back to a brass gear box with
two pinions and an ordinary crank handle, the gear
being, as already stated, three to one.
The catapult in use is elevated to the required eleva­
tion, and is held in position by means of sandbags, or
may be anchored by means o f rope attached to a couple
of screw-eyes provided for the purpose.
These catapults weight about 50 lbs., and cost some­
thing about £12 a piece. They are fairly accurate,
and it is easy, with practice, to lob two out of three
grenades in a 3-ft. trench at 120 yards distance.
The fuses used on the bombs have to be made variable
to suit the respective distances. I t is stated that the
pressure that can be got up with this machine reaches
900 lbs. The machine is graduated up to 150 yards,
but the figures act as a guide only. A range o f 150 yards
may be attained,
W E S T SPR IN G GUN.
This gun is used for projecting bombs from trenches,
and, as the name indicates, springs are used to propel
the grenade. The action of the gun is very simple, and
a reference to the sketch will make the general arrange­
ment clear. Moving about in axis* a double lever with
 65

unequal arms inches and 2 ft. 6 in. is arranged. To

the short end of these levers is attached a set of 24 spiral
steel springs, each 15 inches in length, the longer end
of the lever, which is made of wood, is provided with
a carrier platform to suit various shaped bombs. This
double lever is suitably arranged on two vertical trian­
gular iron frames flanged and bolted to wooden base,
which supports the whole machine. A lever 5 ft. 9 in.
effective length, of unusual shape, made in two pieces
(shown in dotted lines in the diagram, Plate X X I I I . ) ,
is used to set the gun into firing position, this lever is
removed when firing. The strength of the springs is
very great, requiring the united efforts of two men
to bring the gun into firing position. A locking
piece attached to a long horizontal tubular lever 4 ft.
4 in. long holds the gun in tension. The weight of
this lever is compensated for by spiral springs, not
shown in the diagram. The locking piece is screwed and
adjustable, and is provided with a rough graduated
scale for distance, graduations being from 50 to 100.
The greater the distance the greater must be the ten­
sion on the spring, and this adjustment is got by a lock­
nut, which alters the vertical height of the locking piece.
A small radial motion is allowed for traverse, and a
deflection scale is fitted on the base and marked off into
4^ degrees. Four iron tubes on the wooden base act
as suitable handles for moving the machine about. The
extreme range of this gun is about 200 yards. The
machine weighs approximately 2 cwt., and, although
larger and heavier than the catapult already described,
it has proven a very effective, though rather clumsy,
weapon. It has the advantage o f silence, and its
position will therefore not he readily located. Along­
side the gun, however, the noise appears to he rather
great compared with the catapult, but it is inaudible at
a few yards distance.
A very deep and wide trench is necessary to use this
machine; it is usefully employed in large numbers on
the Western Front at present.
The machine is fired by pressing the long horizontal
lever. The total length of the machine is 6 ft. 6 in.,
width 1 ft. 7 in., and height 7 feet.
 66

STOKES GU N .
This is a gun for use by infantry, and is of the
simplest possible design, consisting of a steel tube 2 or
3 inches in bore, the former being used to fire a 24-lb.
shell, while the latter is used to fire a 15-lb. shell. The
range is stated to be 300 to 350 yards and in expert
hands 24 rounds per minute can be fired. The gun is
muzzle loading, and at the end of the bore is provided
with a fixed striking pin. The shells used have a similar
lighting mechanism to the Mills hand grenade, i .e ., they
automatically ignite after leaving the bore of the gun,
the side lever being held in position while the pro­
jectile or bomb is in the bore. The propellant charge
is attached to, and forms part of, the shell itself, and it
is provided with the usual percussion cap. On placing
a shell into the gun, which is smooth bored, the shell
drops rather violently on to the striking pin, which
forms part of the gun itself. This detonates the small
propellant charge attached to the shell. It will be
seen, therefore, that the gun is capable of firing as
rapidly as the personnel are capable of loading.
A simple clinometer is provided for elevation, while
the traversing is effected by moving the base of the
gim over a dial plate provided with holes, in which a
pin attached to the gun fits. It will be noted that the
arrangements of this gun are simple in the extreme, and
this is borne out also by the fact that they cost from
£ 8 to £12 each.
Of all the means used for projecting bombs, the prin­
ciples o f this simple contrivance strike one most favor­
ably. The writer has not seen the gun itself, but
appreciates the simplicity and excellence o f the prin­
ciples involved. A rough diagrammatic sketch showing
the ideas embodied is giv^en in Plate N o. X X I Y .

KC
 1. R u ssian H and G r e n a d e .
Class II.
Ignites by pulling small ring in end of the handle.
2. “ Cr ic k e t B a t ” or “ B rush B a c k ” G r e n a d e .
Handle wood, high explosive charge attached,
“ Lotbiniere ” Bomb.
P L A T E I.
C.187.-D
S imple J a m -T in G r e n a d e .

PLATE JL
 Fuse

Missiles

Resin

H. E. Charge

Detonator

J a m -T in G r e n a d e s .

P L A T E III.
T urkish G a llipo li G r e n a d e .
VVt., 1 lb. 6 oz. Dia., 2g in.

P L A T E IV .
 B ritish H and G r e n a d e .
Wt., 1 lb. 11 oz. Dia., 3 in.
“ Cricket Ball ” tvpe. There are many variations in
design of Fuse Plug.

P L A T E V.
 ^ ------------- Tape

Match Head

Brass Fuse Plug

Time Fuse

A ustralian “ L a w -A dams ” G r e n a d e ,
Wt., lib. 4oz.; dia., 2J in.
Note internal segmentation and “ Brock ” Lighter.

P L A T E VI.
 » 2
o = c _____________

W
PLATE VII.

X — m i

No. 1. H an d G r e n a d e , C lass III.

2. R ifle G r e n a d e , Class III.
3. H and G r e n a d e , w ith T hrow ing S tr a p , C lass II.
 Brass Cap

Tape

Match Comp.
!'tntmiHMmtmnmuMnmmniiUMnmtnnui»

Explosive

Fuse

Cast Iron

Pitch

Tin Tube

Detonator

PLATE V III.
 Striker Lever

Safety Pin

Firing Striker
and Spring

Detonator

Explosive

Safety Fuse

Cast Iron

Detonator Cap

Base Plug

£( M ills 55 H and G r e n a d e .
G r e n a d e , H a n d , N o . 5, M k . I.

PLATE IX .
 Igniter

Cr - i ?
Explosive T.N.T.

Fuse

v% u

§
Iron Serap

h
f rx -r
Detonator

f\
CE
TT*

1
7
— --------- “ Beeswax Comp.

H eavy.

H and G r e n a d e N o . 6 and 7, M k . I, B r it is h .

PLATE X.
 -Igniter

Fuse

Explosive (Trolyl)

- Detonator

L ig h t .

H and G r e n a d e , N o . 6 and 7, M k . I, B r it is h ,

PLATE X L
 Cover Cap

Percussion Cap

Fuse H older

Fuse, 5 sec.

Pitch

Pellets

Detonator

Explosive

Cardboard

b
“ W elsh -B e r r y ” Grenade.
(Australian).

PLATE X II.
 4----/temofalte

----- 1-------------- S te e l beed tc

Dcl'ZJTia to r

G\l^ Iron
ftincj

. w .
______________ -
-WOO^
Streamers
.z __ Co. t\ c

o ti<x*c( te.

G ren ade — H a n d , No . 1, Mk . I.

(British.)

PLATE X III.
“ H a l e s ” H an d G r e n a d e .
(The Mexican.)

PLATE X IV .
 Detonator Holder

Brass Case

Cast Iron
Detonator

Percussion Cap
Explosive
Striker Needle

Striker Pellet

Safety Pin

M H a l e s ” H and G r e n a d e .
(The Mexican.)

PLATE X V .
 Iron D isc
Spiral Spring
Safety Clip
Tape
D eton ator

Pellets

Explosive

T in Tube

Card-board

Cork

Tape

W o o d H andle

Streamers
A u stralian H and G r e n a d e , Class III.

PLATE X V I.
 Detonator Holder

Steel Body

Detonator

Explosive

Percussion Cap

Creep Spring

Firing Needle

Needle Pellet

Retaining Bolts

W ind Vane

Releasing Socket
Safety Pin

Base Plug

— Spring Clip

10-inch Rod

G r e n a d e , *303 S hort R if l e , N o . 3, Mk . I m J P a t t e r n ,

PLATE X V II.
0.187.—E
PLATE X V III.
 i
VI

i. Slab of G uncotton , 6 x 3 x If, 15 oz.

ii. P rim er of G uncotton , 1*25 x 1*25 dia., 1 oz*
iii. D etonator (N o . 8, Mlc. IV.)
iv. C ommercial Ca p .
v. S afety F use (Black.)
vi. I nstantaneous F use (Orange),
vii. G elignite w ith D etonator and F u se .

PLATE X IX .
hj
r<
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v-a

X
4

1 H and G r e n a d e w ith stream ers .

2 “ B ussell ” B oomerang Gr e n a d e .
 Crctnk Hfltiite
W ire Rof>e
/nVN^VvUVX_______________
PLATE X X L

Bomb Pock&h

T rench Ca ta pu lt.

Weight 501bs., length 12 feet.

PLATE X X II.
 /
IP
* Pt

PLATE X X III.
u
W est ’ s S pring G u n .
v
*

I
*

PLATE X X IV .

KC