Gammon bomb

The Gammon bomb, officially known as the No. 82 grenade was a British hand grenade used during World War II.

Overview

Designed by Capt. R.S. Gammon MC of the 1st Parachute Regiment, the Gammon bomb was developed as a replacement for the temperamental and highly dangerous "sticky bomb" grenade. It consisted of an elasticized stockinette bag made of dark coloured material, a metal cap, and an 'Allways fuze', the same fuze as found in the No. 69 grenade and No. 73 Grenade.

Unlike conventional grenades, the Gammon bomb was flexible in the amount and type of munition that could be delivered to a target. For anti-personnel use, a small amount of plastic explosive (about half a stick), along with shrapnel-like projectiles if available, would be placed in the bag. However, against armoured fighting vehicles or other armoured targets, the bag could be completely filled up with explosives, making an unusually powerful grenade which could only be thrown safely from behind cover.