Back (British Hand Grenades)
|
No.69 Mk.I Introduced in 1940 as a light offensive grenade, it was intended to be used in the open without need for defensive cover. The body components are made of Bakelite plastic, or for later production, an "approved molded composition". The No.69 was found to be lacking in adequate lethal effect for a combat grenade. Used for training purposes, as an artillery simulator, it proved overly dangerous due to the large (.50cal) ball contained in the fuze mechanism, which presented a random fragmentation hazard. Still, it saw extensive service during WWII, eventually being declared obsolete in 1947. The "XXX" indicates the grenade is suitable for tropical use. The green band indicates a filled of Amatol or Baratol (20/80). No colored band (or "LYD") indicated Lyditte. |
|
The Australians also manufactured the No.69, typically made of red Bakelite as shown here.This base is marked: "No69 I" " RC1942". (Anyone have an ID for the "RC"?) On the base of the black grenade are: "No.69.I." "D.L.R.- 41." Indicating Thomas De La Rue, London England, the primary developer and manufacturer. |
||
|
Fuze No.247 This is an "Allways" impact fuze, which arms after it is thrown. The basic design was first used in 1923 for the No.54 hand or rifle grenade. The design was refined for the No.69 grenade, changing from die cast metal to plastic, and given the designation "Fuze No.247". The No.247 fuze type is also used on later grenades, No.s 70, 73, 77, 79 and 82 "Gammon". Some minor mechanical customizations were done to the fuze for each grenade type it was used on to adjust performance.  |
||
| 05.11.12 |
||
Back