What was a potato masher ww1?
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It was a standard grenade for the German Empire during World War I, and Nazi Germany’s Wehrmacht during World War II. Its distinctive appearance led to it being called a “stick grenade”, or “potato masher” in British Army slang, and it remains one of the most easily recognized infantry weapons of the 20th century.
Why was a German grenade called potato masher?
While generally referred to as a “stick grenade”, the type was also given the nickname of “Potato Masher” by the Allies due to its shape rather resembling the kitchen utensil. The Stielhandgranate entered service with the German Army during World War 1 in 1915 and was retired at the end of World War 2 in 1945.
Why is it called a potato masher?
This extrusion tool forces cooked potato through small holes, resulting in rice-like pieces of potato (hence the name).
How does a Stielhandgranate work?
Unlike the majority of hand grenade designs, the Stielhandgranate design was ignited by friction. Inside the hollow wooden handle, a steel rod was attached to a string. After the string was pulled, a shower of shower of sparks lit a fuse that burned for approximately 4.5 seconds before exploding.
Who made the Stielhandgranate?
According to the Enciclopedia Italiana of 1929-37 (pro- duced under the supervision of Mussolini, who had been severely wounded by a grenade during a training exer- cise while serving on the Italian front in 1917) the hand grenade was invented by a Piedmontese, Giovanni Faci di Barge, and used at the siege of Cuneo in …
Are grenades still used today?
The hand grenade remains of course a part of the modern military arsenal—and is even used in non-lethal or stun, as well as smoke variations as well. The small anti-personnel weapon is also as unique in design as any other piece of military equipment, and as such has become popular with collectors.
How many grenades did soldiers carry in ww2?
1,496 rounds of rifle ammunition (assuming 1 cartridge belt, 1 bandolier and 1 clip in the gun for riflemen) 700 rounds of automatic rifle ammunition. 15 rifle grenades (variable) 24 fragmentation grenades (variable)
Were pineapple grenades used in ww2?
The Mk II was standardized in 1920 replacing the Mk I of 1917. It was phased out gradually, the U.S. Navy being the last users, on 2 April 1945 the Mk II and Mk IIA1 were re-designated the Mk 2 and Mk 2A1. The Mk II was commonly known as a pineapple grenade, because of its shape and structure.
What kind of grenade is a potato masher?
High-detailed wooden replica of the famous German stick hand grenade Stielhandgranate M-24 due to the shape nicknamed as “Potato masher”. This is an emblematic 1924 model German infantry fragmentation stick grenade.
The type became an easily recognizable weapon of its time while its unique dimensions ensured a firm hold with impressive range. While generally referred to as a “stick grenade”, the type was also given the nickname of “Potato Masher” by the Allies due to its shape rather resembling the kitchen utensil.
How were hand grenades used in WW1?
Grenades in the American Civil War were used primarily during siege warfare such as this depiction of a Union assault during the Battle of Vicksburg. World War I is regarded as the golden age of hand grenades for as many as 50 new designs were introduced during the conflict.