Hand grenade found in the forest: detonation necessary near Hemmersheim!

Hand grenade found in the forest: detonation necessary near Hemmersheim!

A 69-year-old detectorist made an exciting discovery on Monday, August 11th, in Hemmersheim, Neustadt/Aisch-Bad Windsheim district. When he searched a private forest property, he found what appeared to be a hand grenade. This discovery caused quite a stir and brought the Bad Windsheim police station into action. A demolition squad was immediately called to the scene to check the grenade that was found.

During the inspection it turned out that it was a live explosive charge that could not be transported. The experts decided that the grenade had to be detonated on site. It was an American hand grenade from World War II. According to the police, discoveries of such grenades are not uncommon; They have to be spotted and blown up again and again in different regions.

A look at the history of the hand grenade

The hand grenade, which is defined as an explosive device that can be thrown with one hand, has a long and eventful history. It has been used since the Middle Ages, evolving from the first ceramic hand grenades of the Byzantine Empire through various shapes to the modern metal grenades in use today. The materials include metal and plastic, often equipped with predetermined breaking points or additional parts to increase the splintering effect, as a historical overview shows. For example, the first offensive and defensive grenades were used on a large scale during the First World War, which were used in battles under protective cover. The best-known models include the US Mk 2 and the Soviet F 1, which cover various areas of application, from urban warfare to attacks on bunkers.

Stiel hand grenades, also affectionately known as “potato mashers”, have proven to be particularly useful. Using them requires a good hand in order to make optimal use of the throwing distance. This grenade is also equipped with fuses that allow delay, making it a versatile tool in the battlefield. Speaking of throwing distances: hand grenades have a range of up to 30 to 40 meters, depending on the type and construction.

Current classification and dangers

The Hemmersheim incident highlights the dangers that are often associated with the discovery of old weapons stocks. Hand grenades still filled with explosives can pose serious risks. The demolition squad usually carries out the explosions in a protected area, with transportable grenades being detonated in a container. If grenades cannot be transported, the explosion is contained with sandbags. It remains to be hoped that such discoveries can be avoided in the future, but it is important to educate the civilian population about the risks.

In conclusion, the world of hand grenades may be a mystery to many, but it has proven that they are part of history and still raise relevant security issues today. There is great interest in archaeological finds, but safety should always come first.

For more information about the history of the hand grenade and its different types, see the comments on Wikipedia and Wikiwand.

As you can see, an uplifting probe into the forest can bring both adventure and unexpected risks - there's something there!