Grenade, Hand, No. 5, Mark 1. Description: The body of the grenade is of cast-iron, serrated to provide numerous missiles on detonation. Into one end is screwed a centre piece, with separate recesses for the striker and detonator.
The striker is kept cocked against its spring by its head catching on the end of the striker lever when the latter lies against the body of the grenade, pivoted on its fulcrum pin.
The lever is retained in its position by the safety pin.
The detonator is a separate unit, consisting of cap, cap chamber, safety fuse, and detonator.
The action of the grenade is that, after the safety pin is withdrawn, on throwing the grenade the lever swings outward under the pull of the striker pin spring, thus releasing the striker, which fires the cap. The safety fuse burns less than five seconds and then fires the detonator.
Packing: The grenades are packed 12 in a wooden box, together with a cylinder containing 12 detonators and lengths of safety fuse attached.
Preparation and Use of the Grenade: Unscrew the base plug, insert the detonator, etc., into the recesses provided and replace the plug.
The grenade is then held in the throwing hand in such a manner that the striker lever is held securely against the body of the grenade by some part of the hand.
The safety pin is pulled out by the other hand just before the grenade is thrown.