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| BRITISH EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE |
| Part 5 - Chapter 4 |
| Smoke, Illuminating, and Incendiary Grenades |
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Smoke Hand Grenade, W.P., No. 77 Mks I and II (Service) |
| Data |
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Over-all length |
4.65 in. |
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Diameter |
2.3 in. |
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Total weight |
13.5 oz. |
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Filling |
White phosphorus |
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Filling weight |
8 oz. |
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Fuzing |
No. 247 Mk I, II, or III |
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Delay |
None |
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Color |
Green |
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Markings |
Mk II has red and white bands around center |
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Description: The tin-plate body is cylindrical in shape except near the base, which is in the form of a truncated cone. The cone portion has a flat base in which the filling hole is formed. The hole is closed by a soldered lid. The tin-plate closing arrangement at the head of the body includes a threaded socket with a central pocket for the detonator. The socket receives the hosuing for the attachment of the fuze. The tin-plate housing serves as an adapter for the attachment of the fuze to the body and is in the form of a cap with a knurled periphery and a socket. The socket has a central hole and is threaded to engage with the socket in the body. |
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Operation: The housing, together with the fuze, is removed by unscrewing the hous-ing; and the detonator is inserted in the pocket with the open end toward the fuze. |
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The adhesive tape is then removed and the safety cap unscrewed in one-half turn. After the cap is removed, the tape must be held in place by the forefinger and thumb. When thrown, the weight on the end of the tape causes the tape to unwind and pull out the safety pin. Only the creep spring is now holding the striker away from the primer cap. On impact, the striker is forced into the primer cap, which initiates the detonator and ex-plodes the grenade, scattering the white phosphorus. The white phosphorus ignites spontaneously on contact with air, causing a heavy white smoke screen. The small frag-ments of phosphorus are of an incendiary nature. |
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Remarks: The Mk II model was introduced to enable this grenade to be used for training without incurring the risk of fire which attends the use of the Mk I. The Mk II model has a cylindrical body and is filled with titanium tetrachloride. The Grenade Mk II is used only in training and is not issued for use under service conditions. The Grenade Mk I/I has a seamless body. |
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| Figure 244 – Smoke Hand Grenade, W.P., No. 77 Mk I |
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Smoke Hand Grenade, W.P., No. 77 Mk II |
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