Gaines, Exploders and Smoke Boxes

German shells are normally issued fuzed to the troops in the field but loose gaines, explo-ders and smoke boxes may be met in ammunition dumps.

Gaine bodies are made of steel, tinned brass or aluminium alloy, any marking being sten-cilled on the side in black or on a label stuck to the base. With the exception of some older types they are usually designated series, sometimes with a letter and oblique stroke immediately in front of the number.

German H.E. shell filling designs do not as a rule include exploders. Any components of this nature that may be met will probably have its origin in occupied territory. However, there are small charges of German manufacture pressed into pellets, which may or may be wrapped in waxed paper. These are used with or as opening charges in Smoke shell, etc.

The letters "Zdlg." or "Ldg Zd" are used in the designation of this component. For examp-le: "kl.Ldg.Zd.K.Gr.Nb." is the marking on the burster charge in a 7.5 cm Kw.K. (Tank) gun smoke shell.

Cyclonite/Wax is coloured blue or bluish-green.

P.E.T.N./Wax is coloured pink.

They are small cylindrical cartons, generally of waxed or varnished paper, with the no-menclature "Rauchentwickler" or "Rauchent W" followed by the series number printed on the side or on a label stuck to one end. The nomenclature includes, in an abbreviated form, the type of smoke composition "Phos" or "Phosphor", and the usual manufacturer's initials, etc. Note.– Red phosporus is the only composition that has yet been met.