German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 15)

  

German Explosives

Anti-Tank Rifle Grenade (Gewehr Panzergranate)

Overall Length: 6.4 inches

Maximum Diameter: 1 and 3/16 inches

Filler: TNT

Weight of Filler: 1.75 ounces

Range: 50 yards

Total Weight: 8.8 ounces

Color: Front half is black and back half is aluminum

Description: This grenade is fired from the rifle 3cm discharger cup (Schiessbecher) which can be fitted to most types of German rifles.  It is constructed in two parts, the head and the stem.  The head is a seamless steel tube with the forward portion containing a hollow charge cone and the explosive filling, being closed at the forward end by a light ballistic cap.  The main filling of TNT is poured around the cone and there is a cavity formed in the after part of the main filling in which the exploder of penthrite wax is inserted.

The stem is made of light alloy or aluminum and is screwed onto the head of the grenade.  The stem is divided into two compartments, the lower containing the fuze, the upper the gaine.  In the septum is a small flash pellet held in place by a perforated screw plug.   The gaine consists of a light alloy case into which is inserted a light alloy top hat containing the detonator, the space between being filled with penthrite wax.  A preen-graved driving band is formed around the stem 6mm from the rear.

The fuze is in the after portion of the stem and consists of a striker over the top of which fits a retaining spring with four prongs bent downward into grooves in the striker body.  Around the striker body is an arming collar which has two grooves cut on the inside.  An arming spring is compressed between a lip on the arming collar and a second collar at the bottom of the striker body.  Around the inside of the arming collar and resting on the striker body is a steel tape which acts as an additional safety device and prevents any possibility of the fuze being accidentally armed when screwing on the base plug.

The entire assembly is closed by a base plug which positions the fuze by a stem which fits into a recess in the rear of the striker body.

Operation: On firing, the shock of discharge causes the arming sleeve to set back against its spring.  The four prongs of the retaining spring are forced out of the lower groove in the arming sleeve and engage in the upper groove, retaining the arming sleeve in its lower position.  This allows the steel tape to unwind and the striker is then free to move forward on impact firing the gaine.

37mm H.E. Anti-Tank Stick Grenade

Overall Length: 29 and 1/8 inches

Length of Stick: 16 and 7/16 inches

Length of Body: 12 and 1/4 inches

Total Weight: 18 pounds 12 ounces

Weight of Filler: 5 pounds 5 ounces

Explosive Filler: Dinitroanoline with TNT

Description: The complete round, which is made up of the hollow charge stick grenade and the propellant, is fired from the 3.7 PAK gun.

The stick grenade has a steel rod which fits into the bore, and a concentric perforated sleeve which fits around the barrel of the gun.  A pressed steel cap forms the nose of the grenade giving it the required stand-off distance.  The hollow charge is at the rear of the steel cone and consists of two blocks of dinitroanoline with TNT.  Two detonators are set in the base of the grenade, one facing in each direction.  A nose fuze of the instantaneous percussion type and a tail fuze, also instantaneous are present.

The steel rod which fits into the bore of the gun is a hollow tube closed at the base end.  The base fuze is a percussion type fuze very sensitive to shock.  It is armed by setback which releases a spring loaded detent allowing a steel ball to move away from the striker.  Upon impact the striker moves forward against the action of a very weak creep spring.

The nose fuze consists of a striker held away from the primer by a creep spring and a coiled spring.  Around the coiled spring is an inertia pellet resting on four fingers of a stirrup spring fixed in the base of a stirrup spring retainer.  The inertia pellet has a groove cut around its internal circumference.

Two detonators are located at the base of the main charge.  One detonator faces toward the nose fuze to receive the flash from there, and the other detonator faces the tail fuze to receive its flash.

The propelling charge is contained in a steel cartridge case.  The charge consists of diethylene glycol dinitrate tubular stick powder with an igniting charge of nitrocellulose granular powder, and a percussion type primer consisting of mercury fulminate and black powder.

Operation: On discharge, the inertia pellet of the nose fuze is driven downwards and the ends of the stirrup spring are forced into the groove of the inertia pellet thus holding it down.  The clock spring is now held in position by the collar of the striker pin and the stirrup spring retainer.  On deceleration, the clock spring flies outward, assisted by centrifugal force, into the recess in the fuze body in the fuze body.  At the same time the base fuze is being armed.  In the event of direct impact, the nose fuze will function the grenade, but in the event of graze action, the base fuze will function the grenade.

Large Anti-Tank Rifle Grenade (Gross Gewehr Panzergranate)

Overall Length: 7 inches

Maximum Diameter: 1 and 3/4 inches

Weight of Filler: 4 and 1/2 ounces

Filler: TNT

Range: 100 yards

Total Weight: 13 and 1/2 ounces

Color: Black overall

Description: This grenade is fired from the rifled 3cm discharger cup (Schiessbecher) which can be fitted to most types of German rifles.  It is of the hollow charge type and consists of a steel head containing the explosive and light alloy or steel and plastic stem containing the fuze and gaine.  The propelling cartridge contains a wooden bullet.

The body which is of pressed steel contains a steel cone around which the main filler of TNT is cast.  A steel washer with a small central hole rests on the open end of the cone and above the latter is a steel ballistic cap.  At the bottom of the TNT is an exploder pellet of penthrite wax.

Two varieties of the stem have been found, one entirely of light alloy, the other of plastic with a steel shank by which it is screwed on to the head of the grenade.  At the base of the stem is a rifled band which corresponds with the rifling in the discharger cup.  The stem is divided into compartments by a perforated septum, the  lower containing the fuze, the upper the gaine.  In the septum is a small flash pellet held in place by a perforated screw plug.  The gaine consists of a light alloy container into which is inserted a light alloy top hat containing the detonator, the space below being filled with penthrite wax.

The fuze is in the after portion of the stem and consists of a striker over the top of which fits a retaining spring with four prongs bent downward into grooves in the striker body.  Around the striker body is an arming collar which has two grooves cut on the inside.  An arming spring is compressed between a lip on the arming collar and a second collar at the bottom of the striker body.  Around the inside of the arming collar and resting on the striker body is a steel tape which acts as an additional safety device and prevents any possibility of the fuze being accidentally armed when screwing on the base plug. 

The entire assembly is closed by a base plug which positions the fuze by a stem which fits into a recess in the rear of the striker body.

Operation: On firing, the shock of discharge causes the arming sleeve to set back against its spring.  The four prongs of the retaining spring are forced out of the lower groove in the arming sleeve and engage in the upper groove, retaining the arming sleeve in its lower position.  This allows the steel tape to unwind and the striker is then free to move forward on impact, firing the gaine.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 16)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 14)

 

German Explosives

Rifle Grenade (S.S. Gewehr Panzergranate 61 mm)

Overall Length: 9.4 inches

Length of Stem: 4 inches

Maximum Diameter of Head: 2.4 inches

Diameter of Stem: 1.2 inches

Total Weight: 9 ounces (approx.)

Description: This grenade consists of a streamlined, unpainted phosphated steel body closed at the head by a conical, black, pressed steel impact cup.  The stem is of steel and has the normal prerifled section to correspond with the rifling in the discharge cup.  The base plug is conical and is provided with two screw flats.

The propelling cartridge consists of a lacquered steel cartridge case, the extended neck of which encloses a small wooden pellet.  The cap is uncolored.

Rifle Grenade (Hollow Charge Type)

Overall Length: 244 millimeters

Maximum Diameter: 61 millimeters

Diameter of Stem: 30 millimeters

Weight : 9 ounces (approx.)

Description: This grenade is similar to the S.S. Gewehr Panzergranate 61 except that it is unpainted and that the impact cap is approximately hemispherical.  The stem is of steel and has the normal prerifled section to correspond with the rifling of the discharge cup.  The base plug is conical and is provided with two screw flats.

The propelling charge consists of a lacquered steel cartridge case, the end of which contains a light wooden pellet.  The cap is uncolored.

Anti-Personnel Rifle or Hand Grenade (Gewehr Sprenggranate)

Overall Length: 5.5 inches

Maximum Diameter: 1.2 inches

Total Weight: 9 ounces

Explosive Filler: PETN/Wax

Weight of Filler: 1.1 ounces

Maximum Range: 550 yards

Delay: 

-Self-destroying: 11 seconds

-Friction igniter: 4.5 seconds

Color: Black body, aluminum fuze and base.

Description: This grenade consists of a body with explosive filling and detonator, a fuze body carrying the direct action fuze, a friction igniter, and a base fitment carrying the delay of the self-destroying system.  The body is in the form of a steel tube having a diaphragm near the bottom.  It is screw-threaded at the nose to receive the fuze body and the base to receive the base fitment.  The diaphragm is screw-threaded centrally to receive the delay igniter.

The filling is penthrite wax contained in a cardboard container.  The explosive has a central cavity which holds the detonator encase in an aluminum container at one end, and receives the igniter delay pellet from the diaphragm at the other end.

The fuze is made of aluminum and is of the direct action type.  The base of the fuze body is threaded externally to enter the grenade body and internally to receive a detonator holder.  It consists of a striker held away from the primer by a creep spring and a coiled spring.  Around the coiled spring is an inertia pellet resting on four fingers of a stirrup spring fixed in the base of a stirrup spring retainer.  The inertia pellet has a groove cut on the inside of it.  The friction igniter which is similar to the B.Z. 24 used with stick hand grenades screws into the central channel of the diaphragm.  The igniter pellet has a delay of 4.5 seconds.

The rifled base fitment is screw threaded externally to screw into the base of the grenade and internally at the base to receive a closing plug.  A 6.5 second delay pellet contained in a brass holder is situated in the base.

The propelling cartridge is a 7.92mm cartridge closed at the shoulder by crimping.  The propellant consists of 0.9 grams of nitrocellulose flakes.

Operation:

1. Rifle Grenade -- On discharge, the inertia pellet of the fuze is driven downwards and the ends of the stirrup spring are forced into the grooves of the inertia pellet thus holding it down.  The clock spring is now held in position by the collar of the striker pin and the stirrup spring retainer.  On deceleration the clock spring flies outward, assisted by centrifugal force, into the recess in the fuze body.  On impact, the striker compresses the creep spring and penetrates the primer whose flash explodes the detonator.

Should the fuze not function, the grenade will be self-destructive.  On firing, the flash enters the hole in the closing plug and igniters the delay pellet which burns for 6.5 seconds.  This then fires the friction igniter which will give an additional delay of 4.5 seconds and then fires the detonator.

2. Hand Grenade -- The base fitment is unscrewed and the cord of the friction igniter pulled.  This gives a delay of 4.5 seconds and then fires the detonator.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 15)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 13)

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 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 12)

           

German Explosives

Smoke Grenade (Blendkorper 14)

Overall Length: 6 inches

Maximum Diameter: 2 and 1/2 inches

Total Weight: 13.2 ounces

Filling: (FM) Titanium Tetrachloride

Weight of Filling: 10.6 ounces

Description: This grenade is a tear drop shaped glass flask sealed at the upper end by drawing out the flask.  The sealed tip is protected by a cardboard sleeve, sealed with a plaster of paris type material.

Operation: The munition is used by throwing against a hard surface which breaks the flask.  The titanium tetrachloride then vaporizes, forming an effective smoke cloud if relative humidity is high.  The smoke cloud is then at low relative humidity.

Employment: The grenade is used to produce a small smoke screen to blind the enemy.  It is also used to patch gaps in larger screens.

Smoke Grenade (Blendkorper 24)

Overall Length: 4.8 inches

Maximum Diameter: 2 and 1/2 inches

Total Weight: 17 ounces

Filling: Titanium Tetrachloride (Outer Flask), Aqueous solution of Calcium Chloride (Inner Flask)

Filling Weight: 270g (Outer Flask), 36g (Inner Flask)

Description: The grenade consists of an outer glass bulb of molded construction and an inner glass tube which seats and is sealed on the neck of the outer flask.  There is a white plastic washer at the junction.  The grenade is sealed by a sulphur and cement plug.  The solution of calcium chloride is supplied in the inner tube to provide water necessary for the reaction so that the grenade will cause an effective smoke at conditions of low relative humidity.  The calcium chloride has probably been added to lower the freezing point of the water, thus the grenade is practical in a cold, dry climate.

Operation: The grenade is thrown and upon impact with a hard object it breaks causing a smoke.

Employment: It is for use to blind the enemy and also to repair gaps in larger screens.

Smoke Hand Grenade (Egg Type)

Overall Length: 5.3 inches

Overall Diameter: 1.96 inches

Body Length: 4.1 inches

Body Diameter: 1.7 inches

Description: The grenade body is of thin metal and is of an elongated egg shape.  At the bottom, a small metal loop is welded or riveted on, and at the top there is a threaded hole to take the igniter.  Near the top are three holes in the body for smoke emission.

The igniter used with this grenade is a standard pull type ZDSCHN ANZ 29.  This igniter has a brass body and a steel ring at the top.  The igniter screws into the top of the grenade and functions when the ring is pulled.

The grenade is identified by three white bands stencilled around the body and the letters "NB Eihgr. 42."  A label near the bottom of the grenade warns that the fumes can be fatal in an enclosed space.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 13)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 11)

          

German Explosives

AntiTank Grenade (Panzerwurfmine)

Overall Length: 21 inches

Length of Body: 9 inches

Length of Fins: 11 inches

Diameter of Body: 4 and 1/2 inches

Weight: 1 kilogram

Filling: Cast TNT

Color: Grey

Description: The grenade consists of a metal body and a wooden handle to which are attached four canvas fins.  The fins are held against the handle, before throwing, by a metal cap at the base of the handle.  The body is made in two pieces crimped together and attached to the handle by a metal band.

The fuze is located at the top of the handle and consists of a striker which is held away from the primer by a creep spring and two steel balls.  The two balls fit into a recess in the striker and are held outward by a safety pin fitting between them, thus causing them to bear against the top of the striker housing and prevent the striker from moving down.  Attached to the safety pin is a small length of tape which is held in by the metal cap and a semicircular clip attached to one fin and fitting around the handle.

Beneath the primer and in the base of the handle is a detonator and a picric acid gaine.  The main filler is cast around a cone in the body to give a hollow-charge effect.

Operation: Before throwing, the cap over the end of the handle is pulled off and the fins held against the handle.

When the grenade is thrown, the four fins fly out because of their spring ribs.  When the clip attached to one fin is pulled away from the housing, this releases the tape which unwinds and pulls the safety pin out of the striker.  During flight, the safety balls move in freeing the striker which compresses the creep spring on impact, setting off the primer, detonator, gaine, and main filling.

Smoke Hand Grenade 41 and Prototype Nebelhandgranate 41

Overall Length: 4.7 inches

Maximum Diameter: 2.3 inches

Total Weight: 21 ounces

Filling: (HC) Berger type mixture.  Zinc and Hexachlorethane.

Delay: (N4 Ignition Tube) 4.5 seconds

Color: Olive Drab

Description:

-Prototype: This grenade consists of a body which is the head of the smoke hand grenade 39 into which the B.Z.E. igniter is fitted by means of an adapter made of some synthetic resin.  The adapter is threaded externally to screw into the neck of the grenade body and internally to receive the igniter.  The closed end of the ignition tube is painted green.  Nb. Hgr. 39 is stenciled in white over a broken white band around the body.  Is has the eight smoke emission holes of the Model 39.

-Model 41: This grenade is of the same construction as the Nebelhandgranate 39 and the Nebelhandgranate 41 prototype.  However, the body has been modified so that in order to take the B.Z.E. igniter, an adapter is not necessary.  A dished plate with a small central neck in the top replaces the old wide screw neck plate which required the adapter.  There are only two smoke emission holes.  The letters Nb. Hgr. 41 and a broken line are stenciled in white on the grenade body.

Operation: The igniter and adapter are removed from the grenade body.  The N4 ignition tube is inserted, painted end first, into the central channel of the grenade head.  The adapter and igniter are then replaced.  The blue painted cap in the igniter is unscrewed and pulled.  This functions the igniter.  The grenade is then thrown and after the 4.5 second delay has elapsed, smoke is emitted through the emission holes for 2 minutes.  Because of the short duration of the smoke, this grenade is used when accuracy in placing a small screen is most important, such as screening machine gun nests and pillboxes.

Smoke Hand Grenade 39 (Nebelhandgranate 39)

Overall Length: 14 inches

Total Weight: 1 pound 14 ounces

Filling: (HC) Berger type mixture.  Zinc and Hexachlorethane.

Delay: (N4 Ignition Tube) 7 seconds

Color: Olive Drab

Markings: White band 8 inches wide around center of handle and lettering Nb. Hgr. 39 stenciled in white around the body above a broken white band.

Description: This grenade closely resembles the H.E. stick grenade 24 in external form and size.  However, instead of the H.E. filling this grenade is filled with a Berger smoke mixture.  There are eight holes in the base of the head through which the smoke escapes.  The handle has three horizontal corrugations at the screw cap end to assist in differentiation by touch.

Operation: Insert the friction igniter into the handle and then place the open end of the flash cap into the recess in the top of the friction igniter, finally screwing the head onto the handle.  Then, by removing the screw cap and pulling the igniter, the delay is ignited and the grenade may be thrown.  Smoke is emitted for two minutes.  Because of the short duration of the smoke, this grenade is used where accuracy in placing a small screen is most important, such as screening machine gun nests and pillboxes.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 12)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 10)

         

German Explosives

Shaving Stick Grenade

Overall Length: 4 inches

Maximum Diameter: 2 inches

Delay: 4 to 5 seconds

Color: Yellow body, Blue igniter (head)

Description: This is a thin-cased "offensive" grenade with the B.Z.E. friction igniter screwed into the top.  The body of this grenade is an aluminum cylinder painted yellow.  There are two models of this grenade, one being 3 and 5/8 inches in length and the other 4 inches in length.

Operation: The head of the igniter is unscrewed and pulled, thus drawing the wire through the friction composition and igniting the delay pellet.  The grenade is then thrown and after a 4- to 5-second delay, the delay element will initiate the detonator.

Remarks: This grenade may be used as a booby trap by the insertion of a D.Z. 35 pressure igniter.

Magnetic Antitank Grenade, Hoft Hohl Ladun 3kg

Overall Length: 4 and 3/8 inches

Maximum Diameter: 3 and 1/16 inches

Total Weight: 7 pounds 11 ounces

Weight of Filler: 3 pounds 5 ounces

Filler: RDX/TNT

Delay: 4.5 to 7 seconds

Color: Field Gray

Description: This grenade is painted field gray and is fitted with magnets which are sufficiently powerful to cause it to adhere to a vertical surface.  The main filling is contained in a pressed metal container which is conical in shape with an elongated apex serving the dual purpose of forming a hand grip and accommodating the exploder pellet of PETN/Wax.  This latter is housed in a metal tube protruding from the underside of the screw-threaded closing cap.  The metal tube is screw-threaded internally to receive the igniter.

Attached to the base of the conical portion by means of six bolts protruding through the container is a plywood framework carrying three horseshoe type magnets.  During transit, these magnets are fitted with a keeper which must, of course, be removed before using the charge.  A brass chain terminating in a hook is attached to the frame.

This charge is reported to penetrate as much as 110 mm of armor.  The penetration is acquired through the use of the shaped charge formed around the 60 degree angle cone.

There are two igniters used in this grenade: one having a delay of 4.5 seconds and the other having a delay of 7 seconds.  The first igniter has a blue cap and the second has a yellow cap.

Operation: The friction igniter is pulled and this will ignite the delay element.  When the grenade strikes a tank the magnets cause it to cling to the side and at the end of the delay time the igniter will detonate the exploder pellet and the main filling.

Hollow Charge Grenade (Sticky Type)

Description: This grenade consists of a tapering steel body containing the hollow charge with a flat sticky pad at the nose covered by a press-on lid with a small handle.  The base of the grenade is fitted with a tapering fuze adapter terminating in an internally threaded hole for an igniter.  This hole is covered by a black plastic plug in transit.  It is presumed that the standard egg grenade igniter is used with this grenade employing a 4.5 second delay and used with a No.8 igniter.

Remarks: No information is available as to whether this grenade is thrown or placed against the target.  It is possible that it may be lobbed for short distances.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 11)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 9)

        

German Explosives

Stielhandgranates 24 and 39

Model 24

Overall Length: 1 ft 2 inches

Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches

Weight: 1/2 pound

Weight of Explosive Filler: 6 ounces

Explosive Filler: TNT

Model 39

Overall Length: 1 ft 4 inches

Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches

Weight: 1 pound 6 ounces

Weight of Explosive Filler: 7 ounces

Explosive Radius: 16 yards

Color: Olive Drab

Description: These grenades are similar in all characteristics except size.  These grenades consist of a thin iron or steel casing, or head, containing the explosive filler, which is screwed onto a hollow wooden handle, through the center of which runs a double length of cord.  This cord is attached at one end to a lead ball which is part of the igniter, and at the other end to a porcelain ball.  The cavity in which the porcelain ball rests is closed by a metal cap that screws on.  Inside the cap is a spring-actuated metal disc that prevents movement of the porcelain ball.

These grenades use igniters B.Z. 24 consisting of a lead tube or sheath connected to a threaded brass fitting by a short steel tube.  The steel tube is threaded on both ends and contains the power delay pellet.  The lead tube contains the copper capsule which holds the friction composition.  The friction wire is cast in the friction composition and contained in the capsule which is coiled at the bottom to provide resistance to pulling and joined to the "pull" loop at its opposite end.  When the loop is pulled, it frees itself from the lead tube drawing the wire through the friction composition and the resulting flame ignites the delay pellet.

Operation: The metal cap is unscrewed from the handle and the porcelain ball is pulled.  This will pull a wire through the delay pellet.  The grenade is then thrown and after a 4- to 5-second delay the delay pellet will initiate the detonator.

Stielhandgranate 43

Overall Length: 1 ft 3 inches

Diameter of body: 2 and 3/4 inches

Weight: 1/2 pound

Weight of Explosive Filler: 6 ounces

Explosive Filler: TNT

Description: This grenade consists of a thin iron or steel casing, or head, containing the explosive filler.  This is secured to the wooden stick handle by four deep stabs.  The igniter screws into the top of this head and is of the standard pull friction type, had a blue head and a 4- to 5-second delay.

This grenade differs from the standard Model 24 stick grenade only in the position of the igniter and method of affixing the explosive head to the stick handle.  Usually this type is found with a fragmentation sleeve.

Eierhandgranate 39

Overall Length: 3 inches

Maximum Diameter: 2 inches

Weight: 12 ounces

Color: Black body with blue igniter head

Description: This is a small thin-case offensive type grenade with a high proportion of a low-grade explosive.  It is ignited by a friction type igniter and a 4- to 5-second delay pellet.  This grenade uses the B.Z.E. friction-type igniter.  The short body of this igniter is usually made of brass and contains a friction composition in which a friction wire is cast.  The lower end of the friction wire is coiled to provide resistance which serves to ignite the friction composition when the wire is drawn through it.  The upper end of the friction wire has a loop to which is fastened one end of a cord.  The free end of the cord is attached to a disk which is within the head.  The head screws on to the top of the body and a steel tube containing the delay pellet screws into the bottom of the body.

Operation: The igniter head is unscrewed and pulled, thus drawing the wire through the friction composition and igniting the delay pellet.  The grenade is then thrown and after a delay of 4 to 5 seconds the delay pellet will initiate the detonator thus setting off the explosive filler.

Remarks: There has been found a practice hand grenade of this type containing a spotting charge with the B.Z.E. igniter.  The German designation of this is the Eierhandgranate 39 (Ub).  A modified egg grenade has also been found with a ring attachment on the base.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 10)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters 

German Explosive Ordnance - German Mines and Grenades (Part 8)

       

German Explosives

S-Mine 35 (A/P)

Diameter/Width: 4 inches

Depth (w/o fuze): 5 inches

Total Weight: 9 pounds

Explosive: TNT (or Amatol)

Explosive Weight: 6 and 1/2 pounds

Material: Steel

Pull or Pressure required: 9 to 13 pounds

Color: Normally brown with greenish tinge

Description: The S-Mine resembles a tin can in size and shape and was originally referred to as the "Fruit Tin" mine by the British.  It consists of an outer steel case and an inner canister which contains approximately 350 steel balls.  A central steel tube running axially through the mine receives the igniter at its upper end and acts as a flash channel.  A 4 and 1/2-second delay fitting is threaded into the bottom of this tube.  A gun powder ejection charge is located beneath the inner canister.  Three detonator tubes are space radially around the inner canister, 120 degrees apart.  A short delay element is fitted into the bottom of each of these detonator tubes.  The space between the detonator tubes is filled with explosive, either TNT or amatol.

There were various modifications in the early production models of the S-Mine, including detonator tubes made of compressed paper, minor technical differences, and use of irregular pieces of metal for shrapnel instead of steel balls.

Operation: The mine may be operated by pressure or by pull.  If it is to be operated by pressure, a standard pressure igniter, type S.Mi.Z. 35 is screwed into the top of the tube.  If the mines are to be operated by pull, a Y-connection is screwed into the top of the tube and two standard igniters of the Type Z.Z. 35 or Z.U.Z.Z. 35 are screwed into the branches of the Y.  Z.Z. 42 and electrical igniter E.S.Mi.Z. 40 also can be used.  In either case, when an igniter s fired, the flame produced ignites the 4 and 1/2-second delay powder of the tube which in turn ignites the powder charge.  The powder charge then explodes forcing the mine proper out of the canister and into the air.  At the same time the explosion of the powder charge ignites the delay powder tubes.  The delay in these tubes is long enough to permit the mine to rise 3 to 5 feet into the air before the detonators in the tubes are ignited.  The detonators then explode the charge and the steel balls are dispersed in all directions.  The effective range of these balls is between 150 and 200 yards.

Employment: When used as a pull-operated mine, it is laid in a cylindrical hole and held in place by four stakes.  Trip wires are attached to the igniters and stretched out in opposite directions.  The wires are run 4 inches above the ground and pass through eye screws fixed to the top of wooden stakes.  The recommended length for the trip wires is 21 yards with the supporting stakes at 7 yard intervals.

Remarks: Various anti-lifting devices are employed with the mine.

"Eismine" 42, Flascheneismine (Fl. Eis. Mi.) (A/P)

Length: 10.5 inches

Diameter/Width: 4 inches (maximum)

Total Weight: 5 pounds 10 ounces

Explosive: Gelatin-Donarit

Explosive Weight: 4 pounds

Material: Glass

Pull or Pressure required: Varies with igniter

Color: Clear

Description: The mine consists of a thick glass bottle resembling a quart milk bottle.  In some models there is a booster charge of penthrite wax in the neck.  There is a wooden plug with a conical recess and a central hole located at the top of the bottle neck.  The Fl. Es. Mi. Z. igniter, with detonator crimped on, fits into this hole with the detonator extending down into a hole in the booster.  An aluminum cap screws onto the top of the bottle over the igniter, with the igniter striker being just below the cap.  When in place the cap is waterproofed with a sealing compound and over this fits a rubber cap to assure complete waterproofing.

Operation: Sufficient pressure on the igniter causes detonation of the mine.

Employment: The original German theory for the use of these mines was that they should be suspended on 6-foot lengths of wire below the surface in ice-covered rivers. The mines were placed 16 feet apart and at intervals mines were set to be ignited by electric detonation.  The explosion of one mine would set up a sympathetic detonation which would explode those in the adjacent area.

The mines were later used for A/P ground mines, employing the Fl. Es. Mi. Z. igniter and adapted for use with other pressure type igniters.

Remarks: The mine is set in concrete to serve as an A/P land mine.

"Pot" Mine or "Mustard Pot" Mine - Beheles-Schutzen Mine (A/P)

Diameter/Width: 3 inches

Depth (w/ igniter): 3.5 inches

Total Weight: 12.5 pounds

Explosive: Powdered picric acid

Explosive Weight: 4 ounces

Material: Steel

Pull or Pressure required: 35 pounds

Color: Mustard brown

Description: The mine consists of a cylindrical body and a crush igniter, screwed into the top of the body by means of an adapter.  The body, which is of pressed steel, contains the explosive filling of approximately 4 ounces of powdered picric acid, and carries the top plate which is fixed by means of a rolled, overlapping flange 0.2 inch thick.

In the center, the top plate bears a screw thread into which is screwed an adapter which takes the igniter.  The adapters found in different specimens are of different materials, such as brass and plastic in various colors, suggesting local manufacture of not very high standard.

Operation: A moderate pressure on the top of the igniter crushes the metal drum and the glass ampoule inside it.  The acid pours into the white powder and a flash results from their chemical interaction, setting off the detonator, and in turn, the mine.

Remarks: This mine was manufactured for the Germans by the French.  There are other variations of this mine which embody minor manufacturing differences.

Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 9)

Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters