What were the advantages of grenades in ww1?
In World War I, hand grenades were also known as “hand bombs.” The general philosophy for their use in the fighting armies was that grenades could kill the enemy underground or behind cover. They could also force the enemy into the open, providing targets for rifle and machine gun fire.
How were grenades used in ww2?
American soldiers used many types of hand grenades during World War II, but the primary grenade used by American soldiers in World War II was the Mk-II A-1 defensive fragmentation grenade, sometimes referred to as a “pineapple” due to its shape. The body of the grenade was made of cast iron in a checkered pattern.
How many grenades were used in ww1?
Even as war began the Germans had 70,000 hand grenades in readiness, along with a further 106,000 rifle grenades. Curiously, when many, perhaps most, people are asked to consider the means of trench attack most popular during the First World War, the rifle or bayonet is often suggested as the most likely answer.
How does a hand grenade work?
Once the soldier throws the grenade, the safety lever releases, the striker throws the safety lever away from the grenade body as it rotates to detonate the primer. The primer explodes and ignites the fuze (sometimes called the delay element). The fuze burns down to the detonator, which explodes the main charge.
When were hand grenades first used?
Grenades first came into widespread military use in Europe in the 16th century. The first grenades were hollow iron balls filled with gunpowder and ignited by a slow burning fuse rolled in dampened gunpowder and dried.
What advantage did stick grenades have over other types of grenades?
As noted below, a stick grenade can be thrown further, but since they were offensive grenades they had a smaller kill radius. This was intended so that troops could rush up more safely after the grenade was thrown. Stick grenades are generally safer because they are harder to snag on clothes, belts or web gear.
When were grenades used in ww2?
1918
The Mk 2 grenade (initially known as the Mk II) is a fragmentation type anti-personnel hand grenade introduced by the U.S. armed forces in 1918. It was the standard issue anti-personnel grenade used during World War II, and also saw limited service in later conflicts, including the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Were stun grenades used in ww2?
In this manner the “all ways” action impact fuze was armed in flight and the grenade exploded on impact; and like the Gammon grenade, which used the same fuze design, it was withdrawn from service soon after the Second World War ended….No. 69 grenade.
| British No. 69 | |
|---|---|
| Filling weight | 92 g (3.2 oz) |
| Detonation mechanism | Impact |
When were grenades first used in ww1?
1914
These simple, hand-thrown weapons had been invented hundreds of years before, but had not been widely used since the Napoleonic era. Reinvented by the requirements of trench warfare, the first grenades in 1914 were often hand-made, consisting of old cans filled with nails and bits of metal and packed with gunpowder.
When were hand grenades invented?
Grenades first came into widespread military use in Europe in the 16th century. The first grenades were hollow iron balls filled with gunpowder and ignited by a slow burning fuse rolled in dampened gunpowder and dried. This standard design weighed between 2.5 and six pounds each.
How effective are grenades?
Without body armour or protection, a single grenade can kill an individual up to 10 metres away and can cause serious injuries up to 20 metres away. Shrapnel can reach as far as 200+ metres distance from the detonation point. However, it becomes much less effective.
Why is it necessary to understand the safety and proper handling of hand grenade?
The importance of properly gripping the hand grenade cannot be overemphasized. Soldiers must understand that a grenade not held properly is difficult to arm. Gripping procedures differ slightly for right- and left-handed soldiers.
What are hand grenades used for in war?
For hundreds of years, hand grenades have been used on the field of battle. A hand grenade is an anti-personnel weapon designed and used to clear out enemy fortifications, buildings or trenches. It can be used with devastating effect in confined spaces, against unprotected enemy combatants.
How far can a machine gun fire grenades?
There’s always the Grenade Machine Gun. It is 40 millimetre in calibre and capable of firing grenades out to a distance of 2,200 meters. The grenades are belt-fed and come in belts of 32 grenades. These grenades are designed to detonate on impact, rather than a time-delay like the standard issued hand-thrown grenades.
Why do grenades have grooves in them?
The grooves are purposely machined into grenades giving them appearance of a pineapple, and were produced that way, so that a soldier with muddy hands could have much better grip when throwing the grenade. Not to aid in fragmentation, which some people may believe. Do Military Commandos Really ‘Go Commando?’
Why do grenades have to fire omnidirectional?
There is also the threat of an enemy fighter having time to throw the grenade back. To ensure maximum destruction, grenades are designed to fire omnidirectional to increase the killing radius. Throwing almost 2,000 metal shards hundreds of feet per second, grenades are designed to seriously maim or kill anyone in their path.