| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM02093 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Grenade |
| Physical description | Cast iron, Metal, Paint, Shellac |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1916: Weaponry |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England |
| Date made | c 1914-1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
No 36 Mk I Grenade (Mills Bomb)
Description
No 36 Mk I grenade. The body is oval shaped and is made from cast iron. The wall is segmented in an attempt to control fragmentation and provide grip. A screw plug is formed on the side for filling the high explosives. There is a large diameter hole in the base of the grenade body and a small hole diametrically opposite. The centre piece, which contains the striker assembly and the detonator, screws into the base of the grenade. The curved striker lever is positioned on the side of the grenade body and fits closely to the grenade body. The end of the striker lever fits into a slot and is secured by a retaining pin that prevents the striker from being forced down onto the firing cap. The body of the grenade is painted black.
History / Summary
The No 36 Mk I Grenade (Mills Bomb) was introduced at the end of the First World War and remained the standard British fragmentation grenade until 1972. The grenade was also used by Australian and other Commonwealth forces.
The No 36 grenade was a classic cast iron, grooved pineapple design with a central striker held by a closed hand lever and secured by a pin. The segmented body creates uniform fragments when the grenade explodes, and can be found on a number of other grenade types, including those specifically designed to be fired using a rifle.