German Hand Grenades

The best known greanades used by the Nazi war machine during the second World War were the stick grenade (model 24 and PH39) and the egg grenade. There were several other types, but this article will be devoted to these two better known models.

These were originally designed for offensive use, but rely more on concussion and blast than fragmentation. This is obvious due to the thin metal casings. The blast can be lethal, but the usual result was severe shock and anti-moral effects.

The famous "potato masher" (model 24) is composed of an explosive metal head fitted to a wooden handle through the center of which a double length of cord is drewn. One end of the cord is connected by a lead ball to the friction type ignited set. The other end of the cord is attached to a porcelin head or metal ring which ties at the opposite end of the wooded handle in a small housing. This housing is covered by a metal screw cap. To activeate the grenade, all that is necessary is to unscrew the metal cap and pull the China head. This caused a friction whcih ignites the fuze to the dedonator. The fuze has a 5.5 second delay.

The model 24 stick grenade is 14 inches long, weighs 1.25 pounds. The explosive weighs 6 ounces, whcih is quite a charge for a grenade of this weight.

Another popular stick grenade is the Mark PH39. This type is quite similar to the model 24, except it is 2 inches longer and 10 ounces heavier. The delay on the fuze is 4.5 seconds with half a pound more explosive. The cap is directly attached to the china head and works by pulling the cap which in turn pulls the head. This grenade explodes at an approximate distance of 18 yards.

These grenades have a small danger area, but they can be thrown considerable distance. It is necessasary for the thrower to have immediate cover available.

Often the German soldiers would fasten the heads of either 6 PH39s or M24s around a complete stick grenade. This formidable explosive is particulary effective against pill boxes, street fighting and any other strong points

The German smoke greande can be recognized by its similarity to the ordinary H.E. stick grenade, but with the following difference. Instead of the normal field grey explosive head, a smoke head is fitted to the standard handle, and the head is marked with a broken white band near it's base. The letters "Nb" are stancelled on it as well.

The egg grenades used by the Nazis are a dark field grey color with a thin elevated flange around it middle. It is 2 inches in diameter at its thickest point and about 3 inches in length. It weight about .75 pounds. It could be thrown long distances conpared to our WWII grenades.

In the center of the grenade is a pocket which has the no. 8 service pattern detonatior and also contains a 5 second delay flash cap. To ignite the cap, simply unscrew and pull the green knob at the tip of the grenade which fires the flash cap by a wire operating link.

Jack Britton, "German Hand Grenades", Der Haken Kreuz, 1967