Grenade Warfare

The use of hand grenades as an implement of warfare dates back many centuries. History records their use as far back as 1536. Up to the close of the eighteenth century soldiers were trained in the throwing of hand grenades, and for this reason were called "grenadiers." At first there were a few in each regiment, later entire companies were formed, and finally each infantry unit that corresponds to our battalion of today had its own grenadier unit.

Then there was a period of time when more open formations were adopted, when there was less opportunity for the employment of grenades and their use was practically eliminated from the battlefield and confined to sieges, where they have been used more or less since the dawn of military history.

With the advent of the Russo-Japanese War came the extensive use of trenches on the battlefield, and with the trenches came the hand grenades which were used in large quantities by both sides. This was especially the case when the fighting lines came to close quarters and in the assaults against the forts at Port Arthur.

When the European war resolved itself into trench warfare, such as it is today, the use of hand-thrown projectiles assumed an importance heretofore never attained, and today we find ourselves employing hand grenades in every phase of the conflict.

Employment of Grenadiers

Grenadiers are employed on both the offensive and defensive. They accompany the attacking lines in the advance on the enemy's positions, they clear the fire trenches and communication trenches after parts of the enemy's lines have been taken, and on the defense they assist the riflemen in repelling attack and engage the enemy whenever he has obtained a lodgment in the trenches.

While every infantryman receives a certain amount of instruction in grenade throwing, there should be a grenadier squad in each platoon specially instructed and trained in this most effective auxiliary method of trench warfare. Not all men possess the temperament and qualifications necessary to make efficient grenadiers. Hence the personnel of the grenadier squad should be carefully selected. Strong physique, personal courage and steadiness in emergencies are the qualifications that count. Men fond of outdoor sports, other things being equal, will be found the best.

The grenadier squad is organized as follows:

Front Rank.

No. 1. First bayonet man.
No. 2. Second bayonet man.
No. 3. Grenade thrower.
No. 4. Squad leader, observer and director.

Rear Rank.

No. 1. First carrier.
No. 2. Second carrier.
No. 3. Barricader.
No. 4. Barricader.

The duties of the several members of the squad vary under different circumstances of their tactical employment which will be fully explained below. In general they are as follows:

Bayonet Men.—The bayonet men move in advance of the grenade throwers. When the grenade thrower has thrown his grenades into the objective trench the bayonet men must be ready to take instant advantage of the temporary demoralization of the enemy caused by the explosions and clear the way for a repetition of the operation.

Grenade Thrower.—The grenade thrower must be ready and able to throw a grenade at once whenever the bayonet men or squad leader may direct.

Squad Leader.—The squad leader directs the operations of the squad. He goes wherever his presence is necessary. He keeps a close watch to the flanks. He replaces casualties and attends to the forwarding of grenades to the thrower. He acts as a grenade thrower whenever he can assist the operations in that capacity.

Carriers.—The carriers carry as many grenades as possible, and when their supply is exhausted they go to the reserve depots and replenish. They are responsible for a continuous supply of grenades to the throwers.

Barricaders.—The barricaders are charged with the construction of barricades. They carry sandbags and tools for filling them. In addition they carry as many grenades as possible. They hold themselves in readiness to go forward and construct a barricade or cover at any point designated by the squad leader.

General.—All the men of the squad must be trained and prepared to take over the duties of any other member. Before undertaking any operation each man of the squad should thoroughly understand the part he is to play in it.

Formation.—The formation for the several classes of tactical employment will be explained when each is considered below.

Offensive Operations

When it has been decided to attack a certain sector of the enemy's position a detailed reconnaissance is made with a view to locating and developing every element of the position, detailed plans are made and imparted to all concerned. (See Chapter XI.)

The phases of the attack consist of: (1) The artillery preparation; (2) the infantry assault; (3) the occupation and organization of the captured position, and preparation to meet a counter attack.

During the course of the artillery preparation grenadier squads work their way across "no man's land" and establish themselves sufficiently close to throw grenades into the fire trenches. Failing in this they accompany the assaulting troops.

When they are able to work up close they cover the advance of the infantry assaulting lines by showering grenades into the enemy's fire trenches after the curtain of artillery fire has been extended back into his position to prevent the supports and reserves from coming up to the front.

All men of the squad carry as many grenades as possible and such number as the squad leader may designate act as throwers, while the others act as carriers and prepare the grenades for throwing. Accurate throwing, properly observed and distributed, will greatly assist in preparing for a successful assault.

Clearing Fire Trenches

No matter how well the infantry assault on the enemy's fire trenches may be conducted, it rarely succeeds in occupying the hostile position throughout its entire length. Casualties, loss of direction, and unexpected obstacles encountered are bound to break up the assaulting line more or less, thereby leaving gaps in the captured position. Furthermore the attack on a line of trenches takes place on a relatively small front by a large number of men. When the trenches are finally reached and a lodgment effected there will be great overcrowding. Provision must be made immediately for extending the line, otherwise the casualties at these points will be exceedingly heavy.

It is the particular duty of the grenadier squads to clear these "gaps" of the enemy as quickly as possible. For this purpose an efficient and well-organized storming party must be immediately available.

Let us say that, after careful artillery preparation, the assault has reached the enemy's fire trench. There is much overcrowding at the points where lodgments have been effected. There is a gap in the line between two adjacent elements. How is this cleared of the enemy?

The grenadier squad immediately forms for action. Two bayonet men are in the lead, followed by the grenade thrower, who is in turn followed by the two carriers. Further to the rear are the two barricaders, who carry a reserve supply of grenades in addition to their sandbags and shovels. The squad leader is where he can best direct the operations.

The grenadier squad is formed as shown in the first position, Plate 40.

1. The grenade thrower puts grenades: (1) into bay 1, at A; (2) into bay 2, at D; (3) into bay 1, at B; (4) into the traverse leg at C.

2. When the four grenades have exploded the bayonet men rush into bay 1, the leader advancing into the first leg of the traverse trench below B, while his mate remains in the bay for a moment.

3. The squad leader rushes around the traverse to A, followed by the grenade thrower.

4. When the bay and the next traverse passages are all cleared of the enemy the word "O. K." is passed back to the squad leader by the bayonet men. The bayonet men get into their proper positions and the remainder of the squad rush into the cleared bay 1 and prepare for the further clearing of succeeding bays in the same manner as described above.

Take the diagram on Plate 40. Study it out in connection with the text and you will see how this system works out.

The men work in pairs, the two bayonet men together; the two carriers behind the thrower; the two barricaders sufficiently far to the rear to be protected by a corner of solid earth. The squad leader must of necessity go where his presence is necessary. Usually he stays as near the grenade thrower as possible.

When the enemy's grenadier parties are also very active in the sector, the distances between pairs are extended so that no more than two men are exposed in any one bay or traverse leg.

The formation of the squad must be preserved as long as possible. You will appreciate that when losses occur the squad leader will have to replace men and the formation will have to be modified to meet the changed conditions. This makes it absolutely necessary that every member of the squad be competent to take over the duties of any other member.

When the squad has reached the limit of its advance the barricaders will come forward and construct a barricade in such position that it is well in view from a corner some distance behind.

No passing of bombs forward from man to man is permitted. When the first carrier's supply is exhausted he returns to the rear to secure a fresh supply from the reserve grenade carriers who are following the grenade squad, and who have by now advanced to a point where their supply is available. As soon as his supply is replenished he returns to his proper position in the formation. Should the second carrier run out of grenades the squad leader may cause one of the barricaders to take all the grenades in the possession of the two and replace him while he goes to the rear to secure a fresh supply.

In the meantime other grenadier squads are clearing out the communication and supervision trenches, blocking up the exits to dugouts and destroying machine-gun detachments that have thus far escaped. The assaulting troops have passed on towards the second line, covered by the curtain of fire of the artillery.

Clearing Communication Trenches

The clearing of communication trenches is effected much in the same manner as explained for the fire trench. The grenadier squad is organized and formed in the same manner. The squad works its way into the communication trench by bombing each leg until they arrive at a point where the formation, as illustrated in Plate 41, can be assumed. The grenade thrower throws grenades into the trench at B and then at C. As soon as these have exploded the bayonet men take advantage of the confusion to advance into the leg A-B under cover of the shoulder b, the squad leader and thrower advance to A, the carriers to the point formerly occupied by the squad leader, and the barricaders to the point formerly occupied by the carriers. The thrower then puts grenades into the trench at C and then at D, after which the whole squad advances another notch as formerly explained.

Where island traverses are encountered the thrower puts a grenade on each side of the traverse and one in the rear of it. The bayonet men, one on a side, assault around the traverse and meet on the far side, and the operation proceeds as heretofore explained.

Night Operations

The grenadier squads may be called upon at night, to perform any of the services that are theirs by day, and in addition may be called upon to make night reconnaissances. For this work the men must be able to organize and reorganize the squad quickly and noiselessly. The throwers must be particularly efficient. There must be the highest order of team work.

Grenadier patrols are sent out at night to make reconnaissances of the enemy's lines with a view to getting information which may include:

1. Location and organization of line.

2. The length of line occupied.

3. Numbers and disposition of occupying troops.

4. To get an accurate description of the ground.

5. To locate observation and listening posts or any other advanced positions.

6. To locate machine guns.

These patrols may consist of from two men to the entire grenadier squad. In a patrol of six or eight men two of them carry rifles and belts, bayonets fixed. The remaining members of the patrol carry no equipment except a haversack filled with grenades. The grenades are used only in case of emergency. It is a reconnoitering patrol charged with gaining information and therefore does not enter into an encounter with the enemy except as a last resort.

The men move or crawl without noise and take advantage of all cover that the ground affords. If they suspect they are observed, they should "freeze" to the ground and remain absolutely motionless. On dark nights it is easy to lose the direction and for the men to lose one another. Every device or scheme to lessen risks in this respect must be employed. The men may tie themselves lightly together so they will not proceed in a bunch and at the same time retain connection with each other.

Notes on Grenade Warfare

The first step in the training of a grenadier is to overcome his fear of the grenade itself. This is accomplished by first having him practice fuse lighting with dummy grenades having live fuses. The men will be impressed with the fact that the grenades are dangerous weapons and that familiarity in handling them must not be permitted to degenerate into carelessness.

The next step towards efficiency is the development of accuracy of throwing. For short distances it may be lobbed from the shoulder by a motion similar to "putting the shot." Stick grenades may be thrown for a short distance like throwing a dart. In the trenches the grenade should be thrown with an overhand motion like the bowler of a cricket ball, as there is danger of exploding them by knocking the hand against the back of the trench.

The men should be taught to throw from all positions—standing, sitting, kneeling and prone.

Should the grenade with a time fuse be dropped in the act of throwing, there is time to pick it up and throw it out of the trench before it explodes. Under no circumstances must it be allowed to explode in the trench.

Communication throughout the squad in action should be maintained at all times. System is required to insure the throwers having a supply of grenades on hand all the time and that casualties are promptly replaced.

Quick action is essential to success. Crawling and stalking give the enemy what he is waiting for.

Arrangements to assist a storming party by rifle and machine-gun fire are of the utmost value and should be provided whenever possible. Care must be taken to provide a signal which will mark the progress of the storming party through the trenches. A helmet held up on a bayonet will do this.

All grenadiers must be especially trained in the filling of sandbags and making sandbag barricades.

The work of the observer is difficult and requires much practice. He must give his directions to the thrower in no uncertain terms. When the thrower has missed his objective the observer will give positive directions for the next throw. Instead of saying "A yard too much to the left," he will say, "Throw a yard to the right." Positive directions, even if only half heard, are of some use; negative directions are certain to be both confused and confusing. The observer should be expert in the use of the periscope.

Hand Grenades and Petards

The hand grenade used by our allies on the western front is the bracelet grenade with automatic firing mechanism and consists of a ball of cast iron filled with an explosive and of a leather bracelet which is fastened to the wrist. To the bracelet is attached a piece of rope about 30 centimeters long, having an iron hook at its end.

Just before the grenade is thrown, the hook is engaged in the ring of the roughened wire of the friction primer placed inside the fuse plug which closes the cast iron ball. When the grenade is thrown, the ring with the primer wire, held back by the hook of the bracelet, is wrenched off by a sudden movement of withdrawal from the wrist and the fuse is fired. The explosion takes place four or five seconds later.

This grenade is supplied to the fighting zone ready for use. It is quite complicated. It can be thrown about 25 meters.

The German grenade is composite; it can be thrown by hand or fired from a rifle. As a hand missile, it is used at short distances, 15 to 20 meters. It is composed of a copper rod to the extremity of which is fixed a cast iron cylinder, grooved to facilitate its breaking into small pieces at the moment of explosion. The explosive is placed inside this cylinder. A copper tube, also containing some explosive, is placed in the interior. It is surmounted by a complicated system for closing the grenade and for automatic ignition by percussion, which results in at least 50 per cent of misfires.

Used with the rifle, this grenade has a maximum range of 400 meters. At the extremity opposite the grenade, the copper rod ends in a copper stem about 3 centimeters in length, movable about the axis of the rod. This stem is covered with a copper sleeve of slight thickness, which is attached to it only at the extremity fastened to the rod. The diameter of the exterior of the sleeve must be such that it can be pushed into the gun barrel without pressure. To fire the grenade, a blank cartridge is placed in the chamber of the rifle; the quantity of powder left in the cartridge is regulated according to the distance at which the missile is to be thrown. At the moment of firing, the explosive gases penetrate between the sleeve and the stem and jam the sleeve against the grooves of the barrel. The sleeve and the stem, which is attached to it, take a movement of rotation in the grooves of the barrel, which insures the direction of the missile and the maximum efficiency of the explosive gases of the cartridge.

The bracelet grenade and the German grenade just described have to be made in a factory. Attempts have been made to construct similar missiles with the explosives which are at hand at the front, cheddite and melinite. Several kinds have been made: a primed cartridge and a primed hand petard, fitted on a wooden paddle, a preserved meat tin can filled with explosive, etc.

The Germans have hand petards similar to those of the Allies but with different explosives. These missiles are primed by a detonator and a slow match and can be thrown about 30 meters. The discharge takes place either automatically or by tinder. They are made on the spot and very rapidly. The assaulting troops carry them in baskets or strung on a circle of wire carried on the shoulder.

Grenades and petards constitute a terrible weapon. These projectiles exert considerable moral effect owing to the violence of their explosion and the awful wounds they occasion, and they make it possible to reach the enemy at points where it is impossible to use the rifle and bayonet.