Tanks, Gas, Bombing, Liquid Fire (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 Excerpt: ...On this rests a pellet of compressed powder, the object of which is to keep the striker from moving forward until a short time after the grenade has left the rifle. This powder is ignited by means of a small brass pellet with a cap, which sets back on the shock of discharge, and, flattening a small spring, is penetrated by a needle on the screw plug, closing the base cup. A vent hole in the base cup allows the escape of the gases of combustion. This is normally sealed with wax. 2. The powder, having burnt away, the striker is only prevented from moving forward by a creep spring, the resistance of which is overcome on concussion. Instructions: (a) To Use.--1. Screw in the igniter plug (with tin disc for ranges under 200 yards). 2. Lower the grenade carefully into the barrel. 3. Insert a rifle grenade cartridge in the breach. 4. Fix the rifle at the required elevation. 5. Fire the rifle. (b) To Render Useless.--Unscrew the igniter plug in the head of the grenade. Precautions.--1. A German rifle only can be used. 2. Care must be taken that the grenade is not dropped, especially if falling on the tail rod, as then it is liable to become "live," and will therefore detonate on firing. 3. The special rifle grenade cartridge should be used, and in no case a ball cartridge. 4. Tail rods which jamp or rub when being placed in the barrel must not be used, and no force is to be employed. 5. Damp tail rods should be dried before use. All rods should be firmly screwed in. RIFLE GRENADE, 1914 (PERCUSSION). Weight, about 2 lbs. Description.--See Plate 18, Figs. 1 and 2.) The body is of cast iron, 5 mm. thick, and contains the charge (24 ozs.) made up in a thin cardboard cylinder, which is retained in the grenade by a shoulder piece screwing on to the body. The no...