Smoke Hand Grenade, W.P., No. 80 Mk I (Service)

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Description: The empty components of this smoke grenade comprise a cylindrical body, top, detonator tube, bottom with filling hole, and a filling-hole plug. All are of tin plate except the detonator tube, which is of brass. The top is secured to one end of the body by a folded joint, which is soldered. A threaded recess in the top accommodates the striker-mechanism adapter and also carries the detonator tube, which is secured to it by soldering. A charge of white phosphorus is contained in the body and retained by a bottom plate folded over onto the body and soldered. A filling hole in the bottom is clos-ed by a soldered plug. The Detonator No. 73 Mk II is of sufficient strength to burst the grenade and scatter the W.P.

The striker mechanism comprises a zinc-base alloy (Mazak) housing which carries the striker, striker axis pin, and striker spring. It is suitably shaped to accommodate the safety lever, which is retained by a safety pin passed through corresponding holes in the lever and housing. The pin is provided with a ring to facilitate withdrawl. This mechanism is very similar to the Bouchon type igniter commonly used in United States grenades.

Operation: The safety pin is removed, care being taken to hold the safety lever firmly in position. The grenade is the thrwon. During fight the striker spring causes the striker to rotate about its axis, throwing off the safety lever, and striking the percussion cap. The grenade bursts in 2½ to 4 seconds and scatters the white phosphorus, which ingites on contact with air and emits a dense cloud of white smoke.