Monday 2 November 2020

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 

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