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Model 15 Stielhandgranate
The Model 15 Stielhandgranate is the first stick grenade used by German troops. It was the predecessor for the Model 16, Model 17 and the infamous Model 24 Stielhandgranate that used by the Wehrmacht in WWII. This type of stick grenade was based on the experience of the not-so-successful Model 13 Kugelhandgranate.
The troops' desire for greater throwing ranges was a decisive factor in the development of the stick grenade, which began to be delivered in the spring of 1915. The following fall, larger quantities were produced and used for the first time. By attaching the explosive-filled sheet metal body to a hollow wooden stem, which accommodated the firing device, a greater range was achieved. The stick grenade could be thrown very precisely due to the wooden handle and had a tremendous explosive power due to its filling of up to 300 g of explosive, but the fragmentation effect was severely limited.
The detonation of the explosive charge was brought about by a fuse with a 7- or 5.5-second firing delay and a special detonator. The latter was the weak point of this design. Numerous accidents occurred during transport and storage because the hand grenades were carried openly with the coupling hook at the coupling. If, for example, one walked through damp bushes, the paper strip softened and it was enough to hang on a branch with the pull cord to activate the fuse.
This was helped by transporting the detonators separately and inserting them only immediately before use by the troops themselves, therefore, the pots were labeled with a corresponding note: "Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen" (Insert detonator before use). Their dangerousness persisted, so simple means were used to help, e.g. adhesive tape in which the end cord was glued to the stick. An impact detonator and spoon safety were later issued. This so-called "Poppenberg'sche" impact ignition could only be handled with the utmost caution. If the spoon was not pressed firmly against the handle, the slightest impact (e.g. against the trench wall) would cause the grenade to explode.
Specifications
Type: Hand-grenade
Total Weight: 1.8 lbs (820 g)
Weight explosives: 0.4 lbs (0.2 kg)
Total length: 14.2 in (36 cm)
Explosive: Ammonium Nitrate and Tolite
Igniter: time, friction
Fuse Time: 7 seconds (or 5.5 seconds in some versions)
The Model 15 Stielhandgranate appears in the following films, television series, and video games used by the following actors:
Film
| Title | Actor | Character | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hearts of the World | Dorothy Gish | The Little Disturber | mockups | 1918 |
| German soldiers | ||||
| Wonder Woman | Eugene Brave Rock | Chief Napi | 2017 | |
| German soldiers |
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Notation | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great War 1918 | 2013 | ||
| Battle of Empires: 1914-1918 | "M15" | 2014 | |
| The Order 1886 | Spoon Safety | 2015 | |
| Verdun | "Stielhandgranate M1915" | 2015 | |
| Tannenberg | "Stielhandgranate M1915" | 2019 |