German Explosives
Hand Smoke Signal (Red) (Handrauchzeichen-Rot)
Overall Length: 4.9 inches
Maximum Diameter: 1.8 inches
Total Weight: 4.4 ounces
Filling:
-Red Dye-ortho methoxy phenylazo B-naphthol (55%)
-Potassium Chlorate (20%)
-Lactose (10%)
-Unidentified light oily material (15%)
Weight of Filling: 54 grams
Description: This signal is included as an example of many German colored smoke signals. It is a cardboard cylinder with a cardboard pull tape lid at the fuze end and a glued-in cardboard disk with an emission hole at the other end. The whole signal is wrapped in red paraffined paper upon which the name and instructions are printed. Beneath the pull tape lid is a cardboard striker ring, one half the top side of which is coated with a red phosphorus abrasive mix. A paper wad separates this and the match head. Beneath the match head is a cardboard inner cover and a wire screen. A perforated metal cylinder containing the quickmatch sheath is partitioned in the middle by a cardboard disk which is impregnated with gunpowder and has two diametrically opposite holes in it. At the emission end is another wire screen and the cardboard disk with a tissue paper covered emission hole.
Operation: By striking the striker ring on the match head the quickmatch is ignited. This burns its entire length and ignites the gun powder disk which is in direct contact with the inflammable smoke mixture. Smoke is then emitted at both ends of the cylinder. The signal may be placed or thrown.
Employment: It is used as a signal from the ground to an air observer.
Remarks: German smoke signals numbers 350, 160, and 80, which are orange, are analogous to this signal but differ in some respects. There are also similar signals in yellow and violet.
Lachrymatory Grenade
Overall Length: 5 inches
Maximum Diameter: 1 and 1/2 inches
Filling: C.A.P.
Color: Aluminum
Description: The case is made of thin sheet aluminum. Within the case, below the lid, is a cylindrical holder retained in position by four indentations in the case which correspond to four indentations in the holder. This holder has a screwed projection to take the friction igniter. The latter has a short piece of cord, 10 cm in length, attached to a wire loop. Below the holder is a dish-shaped aluminum piece which contains a small compressed charge of black powder. On the upper side of this charge is a thin disk of white powder. The main filling consists of ten cylindrical pellets of a yellow compound and one pellet of a white substance wrapped in cellophane. The charge is held between the two dish-shaped pieces. The grenade generates a lachrymatory vapor when ignited and the vapor escapes through the holes in the holder. The containers are unpainted aluminum, and the lid is secured by a piece of adhesive tape colored blue. They are safe to handle when the lids are in place. To disarm the grenade, the igniter may be unscrewed from the holder, taking care not to twist the wire in so doing.
Operation: The lid is removed and the friction igniter is pulled. The vapor will be emitted through the holes in the holder.
Rifle Grenade (S.S. Gewehr Panzergranate 46 mm)
Overall Length: 7.7 inches
Maximum Diameter of Head: 1.8 inches
Length of Stem: 4 inches
Diameter of Stem: 1.2 inches
Description: This grenade has an unpainted, phosphate, streamline body and is closed by a conical, unpainted steel impact cap. The stem has the normal pre-rifling to fit the rifled discharge cup. The base plug is conical and provided with two screw flats.
The propelling cartridge consists of a lacquered steel cartridge case with a diameter of 7.92mm, crimped at the neck and sealed with wax. The cap is colored yellow.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 14)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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