Extinguishing Grenades??

[stiletto_33853]

On 7th August 1915 General Berthelot, C.O. of 32nd Corps, IIIrd Army replied to a letter regarding german flamethrower attacks on the French Forces, results and how to prepare for them.

 

In the text of his letter he mentions extinguishing Grenades?? although a lot of them would be needed and they were having problems with them exploding. Does anyone know anything about these?? were they used to any effect of just experimented with?? did the British Army get involved with them??

 

 

Andy

[tootrock]

Perhaps this is a reference to the glass "Fire Grenades" that were once in use. They contained Carbon Tetrachloride, and were to be thrown into the fire, where they broke open, the heavy vapour extinguishing the fire. They might not break on soft ground.

 

Martin

[stiletto_33853]

Thanks Martin,

 

Among the replies from the French Army on Flamethrower attacks only one unit mentioned these grenades.

 

Did they see much use??

 

Andy

[Old Tom]

Carbon tetrachloride was used in many extinguishers including a brass hand pump version once (perhaps not WW1) carried by army vehicles. The fluid is also useful for removing greasy marks from clothes. Many of the extinguishers were empty as a result of improper use. I wonder if that happened to these French items.