This week’s training, though smaller than usual due to sicknesses and absentees, offered hands-on practice and a bit of history. It was all set against the backdrop of a beautiful new venue. North Stoke Village Hall, constructed in 1911 just a few decades before the start of World War II, felt like we were stepping back in time. It couldn’t have been a better place for an evening of learning about ww2 grenade tactics.
The hall gave us plenty of room for both group discussions and safe practice with dummy grenades.
The Focus: British Grenades of WWII
The theme of the night was grenade training, specifically covering the different types used by the Home Guard during World War II. While grenades might seem like simple weapons, each one had a specific purpose. Learning how to handle and deploy them effectively was crucial.
The evening began with a discussion on the primary grenade types used. The group explored the differences in design. They also examined usage and tactical deployment. A variety of original and replica grenades were available for the boys to handle. This included inert drill examples. The selection also offered deactivated devices. 2/LT Chambers, the groups Armourer, led a very informative and detailed group discussion. We are very lucky to have his knowledge available within the group. Most of the main types were covered, including No.36M ‘Mills Bomb’, No.68 Anti-tank Rifle Grenade, No.69, and No.73 ‘Thermos’. The talk finished with a look at the German M24 Stick Grenade. This was a reminder of the importance of knowing other weapons. These weapons might end up in the hands of the Home Guard in the event of an invasion.
Practical Session: Throwing Dummy Grenades
After discussing the different types of grenades, we got to the hands-on part of the training. Using dummy grenades, we practiced proper throwing techniques. The focus was on accuracy and control. We also focused on understanding the best ways to take cover after releasing a grenade. Everyone had a chance to test their skills, and there were quite a few impressive throws (and a few that were thankfully only with dummies!).
Wrapping Up
In the final session of the evening we watched a cinematic film showcasing the power of various explosives. It brought to home the destruction that these weapons can wreak and made everyone appreciate the respect they need to be shown.
The night was both fun and educational. By the end of the session, we gained a much deeper appreciation for grenades. They played a crucial role in the defence strategy of the Home Guard. It’s easy to see these weapons as just another tool. However, our training highlighted how essential they were in chaotic, close-quarters combat situations.
North Stoke Village Hall was a fantastic location for training — both inspiring and practical. We’re looking forward to holding more sessions here and continuing to deepen our knowledge of World War II tactics.
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