Model 1916 Grenade Launcher (Granatenwerfer 16) : 13 Battalion, AIF

This Model 16 grenade launcher (Granatenwerfer) is made from ordnance steel. It features a spigot shaft and body which is attached to a base plate. An elevation scale is attached to the left side. A trigger bolt is on top of the firing housing and a cocking lever is attached to the right side of the firing mechanism. Attached to the handle is a label made from tin which reads 'GRANATENWERFER PINEAPPLE BOMB THROWER CAPTURED BY B.COY. 13TH. BATTALION. A.I.F. GUEDECOURT. 5.2.17.' There is also a label attached to the base plate which reads 'GRANATENWERFER 16 Maschinenfabrik Alfred Wolff Berlin SW68'. Impressed into the base plate is the serial number '3251' and into the pivot pin is 'Z' surmounted by '8810'.

The Model 1916 grenade launcher was introduced into German Infantry regiments in 1916 and was used on all fronts by German forces during the First World War. The Granatenwerfer 16 was originally an Austro-Hungarian weapon, designed by a Hungarian priest named Veer. The Austrians called the weapon Priester-werfer, or priest thrower, after its inventor. The German Army adopted the weapon in 1916 and changed the name to Granatenwerfer, meaning 'grenade launcher'. Smaller than the original grenade launchers, and weighing 40 kilograms, meant that it could be used in varying terrains.

During 4-5 February 1917 Captain Henry William Murray led B Company 13 Battalion in an attack on Stormy Trench, near Gueudecourt and gained occupation of it. Captain Murray was awarded a Victoria Cross for capturing this heavily defended trench. During this attack B Company captured this particular Model 1916 Grenade Launcher (Granatenwerfer).