Frag Out! WW2 Hand Grenades

Mark Felton Productions11 minutes read

Hand grenades used in World War II by various factions, such as the British Mills bomb, Japanese type 97 grenade, American Mark 2 grenade, German stick grenade, and Italian Model 35 grenade, had different designs and purposes depending on the faction using them. Each grenade had unique features, ranging from ignition methods and explosive composition to intended use in offensive or defensive scenarios.

Insights

  • The British Empire primarily used the number 36 Mills bomb, designed for defensive purposes with a 4-7 second fuse, while offensive grenades focused on blast effects rather than fragmentation.
  • The Italian Model 35 grenade, known as The Red Devil, was highly volatile and challenging to clear from battlefields due to its explosive nature, offering a unique and dangerous aspect in World War II weaponry.

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Recent questions

  • What were the main types of grenades used in World War II?

    Mills bomb, type 97, type 89, Mark 2, Model 35

  • What was the range of offensive grenades in World War II?

    Around 100 yards

  • How did the Japanese type 89 knee mortar function?

    Fired type 91 grenade with time fuse

  • What was the main feature of the American Mark 2 grenade?

    Filled with flaked TNT

  • What was unique about the German stick grenade?

    Friction ignition system

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Summary

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WWII Hand Grenades: Allies vs Axis Powers

  • Hand grenades have been refined for infantry use in World War II, with the main types used by the Allies and Axis powers explored in the video.
  • The British Empire's main grenade was the number 36 Mills bomb, known as the pineapple, designed for defensive use with a 4-7 second fuse.
  • Offensive grenades, like the number 36, rely on blast effects rather than fragmentation, with a range of around 100 yards.
  • The Japanese type 97 grenade required striking the cap against a hard surface to activate, less powerful than Western grenades.
  • The Japanese type 89 knee mortar fired the type 91 grenade, with a propellant base and a time fuse for detonation.
  • The American Mark 2 grenade, nicknamed the pineapple, was similar to the British Mills bomb, filled with flaked TNT and used until 1969.
  • The German stick grenade, known as the potato masher, used a friction ignition system and relied on blast effect rather than fragmentation.
  • The Italian Model 35 grenade, nicknamed The Red Devil, had a high volatility and was difficult to clear from battlefields due to its explosive nature.
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