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"Italian L Type Grenade" from Tactical and Technical Trends

The following U.S. military report on the WWII Italian L type antitank grenade was published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 34, September 23, 1943.

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]
 

ITALIAN L TYPE GRENADE

The fact that Italy is no longer an active belligerent on the side of the Axis does not eliminate the possibility that much Italian equipment seized by the Nazis will not be used by the latter against us. Therefore, the desirability of continuing to report information regarding Italian weapons and equipment.

The Italian L type grenade was designed for use against vehicles and tanks. It consists of a metal casing with a wooden throwing handle. On the upper part of the casing there is a tab (a) (see sketch) for removing the safety pin, and a small metal strip (b) protruding from the base of the handle. This strip is a second safety precaution. The metal strip (b) is held in position by the wire (d) on the side of the handle. This wire is held in position by a piece of wired tape secured by a pin (c).

[Italian L-Type Grenade of WW2]

Before throwing the L type grenade remove the safety pin (a), and then, holding the handle firmly, remove the pin (c). Be sure that the wire is held securely. When the grenade is thrown, the wire releases the second safety pin (b).

According to instructions, the grenade should be thrown at a distance of 50 to 80 yards from the target, and if possible, cover should be taken after throwing

Before using the grenade make sure that:

(1) The safety pin (a) is firmly seated.

(2) The pin (c) is holding the strip of tape securely.

(3) The wire (d) is holding the metal strip (b) in position.

If the safety pin has been removed, the grenade should be handled with care. If the wire (d) has been released the grenade is very dangerous and should not be touched.

Specifications of the grenade are:

Overall length       15 inches
Length of handle       10 3/4 inches
Circumference of grenade        14 1/4 inches
Total weight       4 1/2 pounds

 
 


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