Mills grenade meaning

A Mills grenade is a type of hand grenade developed by William Mills in 1915 during World War I.


Mills grenade definitions

Word backwards slliM edanerg
Part of speech The phrase "Mills grenade" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division Mills - gren-ade
Plural The plural of Mills grenade is Mills grenades.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) i,e,a
Consonants (7) m,l,s,g,r,n,d

Mills Grenade: A Brief Overview

The Mills grenade, also known as the Mills bomb, was a hand grenade used extensively in World War I and World War II. It was named after its inventor, British engineer and designer William Mills. The grenade was adopted by the British Army in 1915 and became the standard grenade used by British forces during both wars.

Design and Construction

The Mills grenade had a distinctive design, featuring a grooved cast iron "pineapple" body with a central striker assembly. The striker was held in place by a lever located on the outside of the grenade. To arm the grenade, the soldier would simply pull the pin, releasing the safety lever and allowing the striker to hit the percussion cap, igniting the fuse.

One of the key advantages of the Mills grenade was its reliability and simplicity. It was easy to manufacture in large quantities and was designed to be thrown accurately over short distances. The grenade had a lethal radius of about 30 meters, making it effective against enemy infantry in trench warfare.

Combat Usage

The Mills grenade was used by British and Commonwealth forces in various theatres of war, including the Western Front, North Africa, and the Pacific. It was also supplied to other Allied nations as part of military aid and support. The grenade proved to be a versatile and effective weapon, capable of clearing enemy trenches and strongpoints.

In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Mills grenade also had defensive uses. Soldiers could use the grenade to set up booby traps or as a makeshift anti-tank weapon by placing several grenades together and detonating them simultaneously.

Legacy and Impact

The Mills grenade left a lasting impact on modern grenade design and warfare tactics. Its simple yet effective design influenced the development of future hand grenades, and its combat effectiveness helped shape military strategies during the early 20th century. The grenade's legacy can still be seen in contemporary warfare, where grenades remain a vital tool for infantry forces.

In conclusion, the Mills grenade was a significant weapon of its time, playing a crucial role in the conflicts of World War I and World War II. Its design, construction, and combat usage set a standard for hand grenades that continues to influence military technology to this day.


Mills grenade Examples

  1. During the training exercise, the soldier demonstrated how to properly arm a Mills grenade.
  2. The sergeant threw the Mills grenade into the enemy bunker, causing a loud explosion.
  3. The historical reenactment group showcased how World War I soldiers used Mills grenades in combat.
  4. After pulling the pin, the soldier counted to three before tossing the Mills grenade towards the enemy tank.
  5. The military museum displayed a collection of Mills grenades used throughout different wars.
  6. The explosive experts carefully disarmed the old Mills grenade found in the abandoned building.
  7. The soldier's quick reflexes saved his squad when he threw back the Mills grenade thrown by the enemy.
  8. The officer ordered his troops to carry Mills grenades as part of their standard issued equipment.
  9. The veteran shared stories of his time in combat, including the moment he first used a Mills grenade.
  10. The explosive ordinance disposal team safely disposed of a cache of old Mills grenades found in the forest.


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  • Updated 16/05/2024 - 08:36:06