The No 36 hand grenade, commonly known as the Mills Bomb,” is one of the most iconic and historically significant grenades in military history. Designed during the early 20th century, it revolutionized infantry combat with its reliability, effectiveness, and compact design. The No 36 grenade became a standard issue for British and Allied forces during both World Wars, representing a significant advancement in small arms technology. Its design and operational use continue to be studied by military historians, collectors, and enthusiasts for its impact on modern warfare and its role in shaping battlefield tactics.
History and Development
The No 36 hand grenade was developed by William Mills, an English engineer, in 1915 during the First World War. Mills sought to create a grenade that was safe to handle, easy to use, and effective against enemy forces in trench warfare. Prior to the introduction of the No 36, grenades were often improvised, unreliable, and dangerous for the soldiers using them. The Mills Bomb was revolutionary because it provided a standardized and safe method for soldiers to deliver explosive force against enemy positions.
The grenade quickly gained popularity and became the mainstay of British infantry units. Its distinctive pineapple-shaped design, with segmented grooves, was intended to improve grip and enhance fragmentation. The design allowed the grenade to break into numerous lethal fragments upon detonation, increasing its effectiveness in combat. Over time, the No 36 was refined and adapted to meet the changing needs of warfare, but its core design remained influential throughout both World Wars.
Design Features
The No 36 grenade features a cast iron body with a segmented surface to facilitate fragmentation. The classic pineapple shape not only allowed for a better grip but also maximized the dispersal of shrapnel upon explosion. At the top of the grenade, a striker lever (commonly called the spoon) is secured with a safety pin, which prevents accidental detonation during handling and transport. Once the pin is removed and the lever is released, the striker ignites a fuse that detonates the explosive inside.
The internal explosive charge of the No 36 initially used Baratol, a mixture of TNT and barium nitrate, providing a reliable and consistent detonation. The grenade was designed with a timed fuse, giving soldiers a few seconds to throw it safely before it exploded. This feature was crucial for trench warfare, where accurate timing could mean the difference between hitting enemy troops and causing friendly casualties.
Operational Use
The No 36 grenade was primarily used during World War I and World War II, where it proved invaluable in trench and close-quarters combat. Soldiers were trained to remove the safety pin, hold the lever down, and throw the grenade toward enemy positions. The time-delayed fuse allowed the thrower to seek cover, while the explosive fragments incapacitated enemy soldiers and created openings in fortified positions.
During World War I, the No 36 became a staple of the British and Commonwealth forces. Its effectiveness in breaking stalemates in trench warfare was unmatched at the time. Soldiers could carry multiple grenades and use them in coordinated attacks to clear enemy trenches, bunkers, or machine gun nests. By World War II, the No 36 had been updated with improved fuse mechanisms and slightly altered designs, but its role on the battlefield remained critical.
Tactical Significance
The introduction of the No 36 hand grenade had a profound impact on infantry tactics. Prior to its deployment, soldiers relied heavily on rifles and bayonets in close combat, which limited their effectiveness in confined spaces like trenches and urban environments. The grenade allowed infantry units to project explosive force over obstacles and into enemy cover without exposing themselves directly to fire.
- Enhanced close-quarters combat capabilities
- Increased lethality through fragmentation
- Improved soldier safety with reliable fuse and safety pin mechanisms
- Standardization of grenades for mass production and deployment
The No 36 also influenced future grenade designs. Its segmented body and timed fuse inspired other nations to develop their own standard-issue grenades. The concept of a safe, reliable, and easily deployable hand grenade became a fundamental component of modern military doctrine.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the No 36 hand grenade is a highly regarded historical artifact. Military collectors and museums prize original Mills Bombs for their historical significance and distinctive design. While live grenades are, of course, hazardous and heavily regulated, inert or deactivated examples are commonly used for educational purposes and as display items. The No 36 remains a symbol of early 20th-century innovation in military technology.
Additionally, the lessons learned from the deployment and use of the No 36 continue to inform modern military practices. Its influence can be seen in the design of contemporary hand grenades, which still incorporate key principles such as safe handling, reliable fusing, and effective fragmentation patterns. Understanding the development and operational history of the No 36 provides insight into how military technology evolves in response to battlefield needs.
The No 36 hand grenade, or Mills Bomb, stands as a milestone in military history. Its innovative design, operational effectiveness, and widespread use in both World Wars exemplify the evolution of infantry weaponry. Beyond its immediate tactical value, the grenade helped shape modern combat strategies and set a standard for hand grenade design that persists to this day. From the trenches of World War I to contemporary historical studies, the legacy of the No 36 hand grenade remains influential, reminding us of the critical intersection between engineering, strategy, and soldier safety in the art of warfare.