Bombers' Training, and Application of Same in Trench Warfare

by Lieutenant J. R. Ferris

If not thrown the safety pin should be replaced.

Grenades, Hand, Nos. 6 and 7, Mark 1. Description: The grenades consist of tin vessels filled with high explosives 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.

The IGNITERS and DETONATORS, packed 10 in a tin and 40 in each packing case, consist of a friction igniter, a length of safety-fuse and a service detonator. The friction 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 be ordinary service haversack, but the sling is shorter to cause the grenades to rest above the hip and as far as possible 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 containing 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 direction 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.

Firing the Grenade: Remove the papier mache cap.

Hold the grenade in the right (or throwing) hand so that the igniter is towards 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. If a second’s time is taken and the grenade bowled or thrown it should explode soon after reaching the mark.