At the begining of World War One Shrapnel was the only shell available for the mainstay of Divisional Artillery, the 18 pounder. The first HE shell was fired in action was 22nd October 1914 near Aubers by 49th Battery RFA. The 18 pounder sharpnel shell contained 375 bullets and it's cone of dispersion was 18 to 30 yards depending upon the range.

Topic Shrapnel

Topic Shrapnel Balls

Primarly designed for use against troops in the open, the positional warfare of dug in troops changed the use for shapnel to be a tool for cutting wire in premilinary bomgardments. It's effectiveness, and indeed it's choice in this task is questionable.........see video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K777TiBUQFU&p=7F3272E9524D53DD

Topic: Shrapnel v Wire

Topic: Shrapnel and wire cutting

Topic: Shrapnel Wire Cutting