Who invented the stick grenade?

Germany introduced the “stick grenade” in 1915, the second year of the conflict. Aside from its unusual appearance, the Stielhandgranate used a friction igniter system. This had been used in other German grenades, but was uncommon internationally.

When was stick grenade invented?

1915
The stick grenade was introduced in 1915 and the design developed throughout the war. A friction igniter was used; this method was uncommon in other countries but widely used for German grenades. Section of the Stielhandgranate Model 24.

Why did they stop using stick grenades?

“stick” anti personnel grenades fell out of favour due to the following. The mills bomb and later “pineapple” type grenades were just cheaper and you could carry more. Transport was also an issue.

How did German stick grenades work?

Unlike the majority of hand grenade designs, the Stielhandgranate design was ignited by friction. Inside the hollow wooden handle, a steel rod was attached to a string. After the string was pulled, a shower of shower of sparks lit a fuse that burned for approximately 4.5 seconds before exploding.

What is a stick grenade?

The stick grenade, which was the standard hand grenade of German soldiers during World War I, was designed to detonate after either a 5.5 or 7 second delay, although some exploded on contact.

How far can a stick grenade be thrown?

Modern fragmentation grenades, such as the United States M67 grenade, have a wounding radius of 15 m (49 ft) – half that of older style grenades, which can still be encountered – and can be thrown about 40 m (130 ft). Fragments may travel more than 200 m (660 ft).

How long would it take for a German stick grenade to explode?

Why did Germany use stick grenades?

The stick design also minimized the risk of the grenade rolling downhill back towards the thrower when used in hilly terrain or in urban areas. However, the additional length of the handle meant that fewer could be carried.”

When was the first stick grenade made?

Germany introduced the “stick grenade” in 1915, the second year of the conflict. Aside from its unusual appearance, the Stielhandgranate used a friction igniter system. This had been used in other German grenades, but was uncommon internationally.

What is the origin of grenades?

Origins. Grenades first came into use around the 15th century and the first inventor cannot be named. The first grenades were hollow iron balls filled with gunpowder and ignited by a slow burning wick. During the 17th century, armies began to form specialized divisions of soldiers trained to throw grenades.

When were hand grenades used in WW1?

They were first used extensively again during the Russo-Japanese War(1904–1905). The hand grenades of World War I can be described as empty cans filled with gunpowder and stones, with a primitive fuse. The Australians used the tin cans from jam and their early grenades were nicknamed “Jam Bombs.”

When did the German egg grenade come out?

The original Model 24s were fielded alongside the more compact (and traditional) Model 39 egg grenades (Eierhandgranate 39) which began appearing with the German Army in 1939. The original Model 24 was eventually superseded by the streamlined Model 43 of 1943 (during World War 2).