M15 White Phosphorous Grenade

M15 White Phosphorous Grenade

(1) Body — sheet metal.

(2) Filler — 15 ounces of white phosphorus.

(3) Fuze — M206A2.

(4) Weight — 31 ounces.

(5) Capabilities — the average soldier can throw the grenade 30 meters. The grenade has a bursting radius of 17 meters. All friendly personnel within this 17-meter area should be in a covered position to avoid being struck by burning particles. The WP filler burns for about 60 seconds at a temperature of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat causes the smoke produced by the grenade to rise quite rapidly, especially in cool climates. This makes the M15 grenade less desirable for use as a screening agent.

(6) Color/markings — grey with one yellow band and yellow markings.

(7) First aid — treat burns caused by WP in the same way as ordinary burns. If particles of WP are embedded in the flesh, immerse the wound in water or pack with wet cloths to halt combustion. Then pick out or squeeze out the WP. The particles will reignite spontaneously if allowed to dry. Apply copper sulphate solution to halt combustion of the WP particles. This permits them to be removed without igniting.

Sources and Resources

• GRENADES AND PYROTECHNIC SIGNALS Field Manual FM 23-30 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, 27 December 1988