Chapter 3. Part 3.
Vinette: The Grenades Available on Gallipoli in November 1915.[1]
Hand No 1. R.L. Impact or Percussion Grenade
Consists of a brass cylinder encircled by a narrow cast iron ring, serrated to break up into fragments. This cylinder is mounted on a wooden block to which a cane or wood handle with streamers is attached.
Hand No 2. 'Mexican' Impact or Percussion grenade.
Similar to the No 1 but the handle is secured to the base of the grenade by a short length of iron rod on to which a wooden" grip" is fixed, with streamers attached.
Rifle No 3. Hales Rifle grenade.
Consists of a serrated steel body, the rearward end of which is closed by a base piece to which is fixed a base plug carrying the spring clip and 10-inch steel rod. The rod slips down the rifle barrel and the clip holds the grenade in place.
Rifle No 4 Naval Grenade.
Consists of a brass body with an aluminium base which carries an aluminium wind vane, through the collar of which a safety pin passes.
Hand No 5. Mills grenade.
An oval shaped cast-iron body which is weakened by longitudinal and transverse grooves.
Hand No 6. R.L. Light Friction Pattern
Consists of a cylindrical tin body with rounded edges 2.3 inches in diameter and 4 inches long filled with high explosive. Weight 1 pound.
Hand No 7. R.L. Heavy Friction Pattern
Is the same external shape as the No 6 and takes the same igniter. Weight 2 pounds
Hand No 8. Double Cylinder. Light Pattern.
Consists of an outer tin cylinder 3 inches deep with the bottom and an internal tin cylinder of about 1½ inches in diameter. The top is closed by a ring of tin soldered to the inner and outer cylinders, while the inner cylinder is closed by a tin lid. The latter has a hole in the centre to the under side of which the top of a copper detonator holder is soldered. The central cylinder is filled with H.E. and the space between the two cylinders is filled with half inch steel balls and the resin. Weight 1½ pounds.
Hand No 9. Double Cylinder. Heavy Pattern.
Differs only from No 8 in having space between the two cylinders entirely filled with steel balls. Weight 2 lbs.
Hand No 13 Pitcher Grenade.
Consists of a cylindrical steel body 1.8 inches in diameter and 4 inches long with an internal tin cylinder, the latter being filled with H.E. The body has the sides weakened by longitudinal and traverse grooves.
Hand" A" Spherical or cricket ball grenade.
At present there are three patterns.
Those manufactured in Malta. (i).
Consists of a spherical cast iron body closed by a brass screw plug. The fuse which passes through the centre of this plug has the exploder or detonator fastened on the inside end and the igniting arrangement which consist of a brass ferrule filled with safety match composition on its outside end.
Those manufactured in Egypt. (ii).
Similar to above but the match composition is protected by a paper sleeve instead of a brass ferrule, and instead of the half moon steel ring a small steel ring is secured to the top of the brass plug.
Those manufactured in England. With Brocks Igniter. (iii).
These are similar to the above but the top of the closing plug is almost flush with the outer surface of the grenade. This plug is fitted with a copper sleeve for the reception of the igniter and has a short length of copper wire attached to a small lug for securing the detonator. The detonating apparatus consists of a detonator, length of fuse and igniter assembled together ready for use.
The jam-tin, hairbrush and Lotbiniere grenades are not included in this inventory for they were unofficial and locally produced munitions.
[1] AWM4 1/17/1. Part 1: General Staff HQ. Dardanelles Army. War Diary, November 1915