Classification of Fireworks.
The fireworks now being used by the American Army are divided into the following classes:
1. Very Pistol cartridges.
2. VB cartridges (commonly called “Tromblons”).
3. Rockets.
4. Flares.
The complete directions for firing these various fireworks are generally attached to the container or box in which they are packed. They are fully discussed in Annex 14, Translation of the 1917 “Instruction on Liaison for Troops of all Arms, A. E. F.”
1. Very Pistol Cartridges.
The Very pistol cartridges are made in two sizes, a 25-mm size, which is issued to the companies of infantry, and a 35-mm size, which is used by the airplanes. These Very pistols fire both signal and illuminating cartridges.
2. VB Cartridges.
The VB cartridges are fired from a cylinder which is attached to the end of a rifle. This cylinder, on account of its resemblance to the old-fashioned blunderbuss (which the French call “Tromblon”) has taken the name of tromblon and now even the VB cartridges, which are fired from this cylinder, are often spoken of as Tromblons.
3. Rockets.
The rockets comprise fireworks which are made in the form of cartridges attached to a wooden stick and fired from a tube or trough. They are used both for signaling and illuminating.
4. Flares.
Flares are used only in the front lines to mark the position of the advanced troops when called for by an airplane.