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MINUTES OF THE ORDNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
ITEM 16330
GRENADE, HAND, INCENDIARY – Military Characteristics
1. REFERENCES:
a. O.O.
471.621/14.
b. O.C.M.
Item 16163
2. DISCUSSION:
a.
Reference a is a communication from the Chief of Infantry to the Chief
of Ordnance indicating a need for an incendiary hand grenade having the
following characteristics:
a. Size:
Capable of being carried in the soldiers pocket.
b. Shape:
Of such shape as to prevent rolling and to permit it to be placed
between the cylinders of an engine (radial type).
c.
Safety: To be positively protected against ignition by accident,
including shock.
d.
Simplicity: To be ignited quickly without the aid of any material or
equipment.
e.
Capabilities: To be able to burn through a 1/8 inch steel plate.
f.
Weight: As light as other characteristics permit.
This communication was forwarded to the Adjutant General by 1st
Indorsement suggesting that the tactical use of this incendiary grenade
seemed to be similar to that for the special demolition block,
requirements for which were laid down by reference b.
The reply to the Chief of Engineers, 3rd Indorsement, Reference
A, is as follows:
1. A
study is being initiated at the Engineer Board to determine the
advisability of using thermit or some other incendiary in place of
explosives in certain types of demolitions as indicated in paragraph 1
of the basic communication.
This study is being carried on with the cooperation of the Chemical
Warfare Service.
2. It is
believed desirable that a munition having the general characteristics
listed in paragraph 2 of the basic letter be developed in addition to
the development of a demolition block with a delay fuze.
Although the missions of these two munitions are identical in
some respects, there appears to be a definite need for both.
The development of a suitable incendiary grenade would add to
destructive ability of a parachute unit in as much as every man could
carry one or two grenades.
Because of the inadequacy of incendiaries for all types of demolitions,
the high explosive equipment would still be required.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS:
a. In
view of the statements of the Chief of Infantry and the Chief of
Engineers as to the need of an incendiary grenade in addition to the
demolition type, the subcommittee recommends:
1. That
steps be taken to have an incendiary grenade designated as a required
type – development type.
2. That
the military characteristics as outlined by the Chief of Infantry quoted
above, be approved in principle.
It would be desirable with reference to the shape to eliminate
the requirement as to a shape which does not roll since the simplest
procedure would seem to be to use the standard chemical grenades M6, M7
and M8 which is suggested by the Chief of the Chemical Warfare Service
in 4th Indorsement of Reference a.
b. The
subcommittee further recommends –
1. That
the development be carried out by the Ordnance Department, in
cooperation with the Chemical Warfare Service, in accordance with
existing regulations for this type of munition.
In the development, effort should be made to utilize one of the
standard grenade fuzes, the Fuze M10 now standard for the Fragmentation
Grenade or the M200 now standard for the M6, M7 and M8 Chemical
Grenades.
Action by Ammunition Division, Technical Staff. |