POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 4 1 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS SAPPER! SAPPER: a military specialist who lays, detects and disarms mines. The following is a series of lectures by a WW II British train- ing officer with an expertise in mines. They were hand-written and unsigned. Ordinarily, I would have passed them over but the hand- drawn illustrations were so pre- cise and beautiful I knew the au- thor had a more than dutiful know- ledge of his subject. As I waded through his stylized handwriting I knew I had discov ered a genius. He gives an over view of the craft which lends mach beauty and majesty to possibly the most horrible segment of modern warfare. There are gaps in the series, due to the fact that there was ob- viously no intent to publish, But the interested reader will gain much insight into both the philo- Sophy and mechanics of this martial art. This insight cannot help but. give a Clearer understanding to ether lesser works in this field. Mines and booby traps have heen of utmost importance but have sel- dom been given the recognition they deserve as one of the most ef- fective adjuncts of anti-personnel warfare, Eighty percent of the U.S. casu- alties in Vietnam were caused by mines and booby traps. The average G.I. never sew a VC but was demora- lized by the knowledge that they were ever-present. Moreover, he knew that no matter how well train- ed and courageous he might be, he was most likely to lose a limb, or his life, to some gadget set out by a non-soldier, or even a child. The Russian G.1.s were likewise demoralized by afghan irregulars to CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 EXPLOSIVES THEORY (OPENING LECTURE) An explosive is a substance, made up up of various nitrates and chemicals, and when cuitably ctinulated, decomposes rapidly from a solid into a gas with the liberation of intenge heat, resuiting in a sudden and intense pressure causing violent disruption of the air and its immediate surroundings. I.E , one slab of TNE expands in the form of gas, in one second, approximately 18,000 times its own size in space. This rate of change, a gas, ie vorked out in ond and is known as the violence figure of the explosive, i.e., rate of change. For instance, TNT is approximately 18. 000 miles per hour. from a solid to meters per sec- ‘THE CLASSIFICATION OF EXPLOSIVES can be divided Into three” groupe. (a) Speed of Reaction (MPS) ()) Recording eo Tes ‘seneitiviey, (c) Servi Classification The speed of reaction can also be divided into three group: (a) Combustion (b) Explosion (c) Detonation Combustion. This is a chemical react ion In which oxygen from the air is em- bodied, usually accompanied by heat and there is always a liberation of gasees, i.e., as in a petrol engine. The vio- lence figure on speed of reaction is up to a third of a meter. Explosion. This is a rapid form of combustion. The heat ia intense and large quantities of gasses are producedPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. suddenly, causing intense pressure and disruption, i.e., gunpowder, cordite and ballistito, ote, The violence Figure is up to 3,000 meters per second. Both con bustion and explosion can be produced by neans of flash (spark flame), match, etc,, and is mainly the expansion of burning gases, which rapidly requires room to expand and therefore gives a pushing or lifting effect to achieve this object. Detonation. This is the uitra-rapid breaking down of a substance, proceeding through the explosive in the form of a vave, known as the "detonating wave". Detonation creates a cutting and shat— tering effect and depends on continuity. Therefore it will be halted by an air space. In detonation there is complete disintegration of any close object, so rapidiy does it need to expand that it vill cut through a substance or complet— ely destroy it, in preference to moving it. Violence figure: 3,000 meters per second and upwards. Up to 4,000 meters per second - Low Explosive From 4,000 to 8,000 ~ High Explosive From 8,000 and upwards — Very High Explosive explo- According to their sensitivit: aiveb sre divided Into thee grates: (a) Initiators (b) Intermediaries (c) Bulk Expiosives Initiators. An initiator represents a detonator or equivalent, such as ful- ninate of mercury. Internediaries. These are primers for boosting the detonating wave once it has been created, such as any of the sensi- tive explosives vhich can be initiated by detonator direct. (Gelignite or Nob- el's 808). Bulk Explosives. These are nain charge or Fiatings, represeating a bua explosive such as THT or Wet Gun Cotton, etc. These are of the non-sensitive var~ iety, which mst have a primer to initi. ate them, and any of the above intermed- jaries can be used for doing this. It will be noted that all intermediary ex- plosives (sensitive) should also be primed to obtain the best results and power. An example; Gelignite initiated by detenator alone has a violence figure approximately 3-4,000 meters per second, but when primed, will be raised in the region of 8,000 mps. Service Classification. This can be divided asi 4 2 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS (a) Propeltence (b) High Explosives. (c) Miscellaneous. ; The power of explosives is judged by to standards: (a) The rate of combustion upon det- onation (viotence Figure}e (b) The volume of gas produced in relation to an explosive such as Lyddite (power figure 100). Sensitivity. This is the term used to determine the ease with vhich an explo- sive can be detonated; high sensitivity naturally involves danger. Stability. all explosives, to a cer- tain degree, are unstable, otherwise they vould not explode. Nost explosives used in military services are relatively safe, but under certain conditions some tend'to break down and decompose, reaul- ting in deterioration in efficiency and safety in handling. For instance, Gel ig- nite is affected by heat and cold. obvi- ously, bulk explosives cannot be manu- factured or transported safely if they have a high rate of sensitivity. There- fore, in order to initiate bulk explo- sives, a number of accessories are nec- essary, such as initiators and intermed- jeries. Initiators, First, of combustion or flash (a) safety match, (fuzee match). (b) igniferous or percussion cap (flash cap). (c) ampule or miner's igniter (chenic- ally produced flash). (4) friction igniter (German equivalent to a fuzee match}. (2) electric flash, To prolona and carry the flash, giv- ing a delay, safety fuse is used. (a) fuse, safety. No. 2 MK IT, (biack), Burns unéer water. {b) S.A, Commercial Safety, misc. pack- ing. 24 ft, lengths. {c) Bickford's Blue, Commercial Safety. Burning speed of all three fuses, 2 ft. per minute. Booby traps need no delay, consequen- tly, instantaneous Orange fuse is used and is lighted with a naked flame (but never should be). Burning speed; 90 ft. per second. More on Detonators: types. (1) No. 27 packad 25 to a tin, complete with rectifier. (@ tins to a box). Rectifier: A device for convert ing alternating current to direct current. (2) No. 8 commercial packed 100 per tin (3) No. 33 electric, packed 100 per ~ three mainPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. tin, No_24 detonator is a service detona- tor and Consists of a solid drawn-out aluminum tube 1 3/4" x .26" in diameter. To use with safety fuse, the fuse is in- serted into the open end of the detona- tor, which is crimped, attaching both Firmy to each other, The detonator con- sists of .35 grammes A.S.A, (lead azide, lead stypnate and aluminum powder) which is avery sensitive mixture, and which detonates .55 granmes of tetryl. The tetry] has the effect of amplifying the effect and power of the detonating wave set up by the A,S.A, From the open end inwards is a space of 7/8 c. which the fuse fits in, then comes the A.S.A mi ture and lastly the tetry1 ( tetra. nit- xo-methyl analine). Very sensitive, the detonator is sensitive to friction’ and it supercedes the previous type, which was Filles with fulminate of mercury. The commercial equivalent of the No. 27 detonator is the Noi 8 Commercial and in fact, they are one and the same. But the No. & service detonator (now obsolete) is entirely different, being filled with fulminate of mercury and is considerably less powerful than the commercial No. 27. No. 33 Detonator is the standard é1- ectrie detonator and it consists of an electric firing head crimped into the open end of a No. 27 detonator. A neo- 4 « “as, 3 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS rene plug (rubber) seals the electric firing head in position and prevents moisture fron entering and the electric firing head is a filament terminal of tvyo wires, Lowest current fire is 8 amps and a 4.5 volt hellicon 1amp is normally used. Electric Fuse No, 31 is an indepen— dent firing head suppiied for use in Conjunction vith 2 No. 27 or No. & det- onator, by insertion in the end which normally receives the safety fuse. 1€ ie painted brown and one end is closed with a Cork disc secured by shellac and be- tween the cork disc and the filament is 4 small amount of guncotton. This is ig- nited by electricity and in turn ignites the A,S,A. which detonates the tetryl. Commercial No. 8 submarine electric detonator ie Gquivalont to tho comers cial No. 33, the detonating end (really 2 No, 8 A.S.A.) is exactly the same di~ mension as a No. 27 service detonator and can be used with a 1 oz. C.E. or D.G.3. primer. It is alse aluminum in color. The filament is sealed in the detonator by adhesive tape, vhich ren- ders it waterproof. Intermediaries. Primers are used to boost the detonating wave set up by the detonation and is a large amaunt of less sensitive explosive. Two main types Rigen ie .8, _Commedeum mam, DETPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS of primers are: - rifle bullet and is susceptible to dam- (1) dry guncotton primer, speed 7300 age by moisture. mps. (meters per second). ©.E. primers may be substitutes for (2) composition explosive (¢.E.) pri- outside dimensions, the powder is enclo- mer. Speed, 7500 mps. sed in a waterproof, waxed covering. The D.G.B, primers MK TT, weight 1 oz, central. or axial, perforation is not Slightly tapered cylinder of dry guncot- tapered and is lined with waxed paper. ton provided with an axial perforetion Rectification would split the paper to take a detonator. Length 1 1/4" They and allow the powder to escape. To pre- are 1.35" x 1,15" diameter at the larger vent this, the axial perforation is made and smaller ends respectively. slightly larger than the detonator, To differ from the obsolete MK I pri- which will therefore need to be packed mers, vhich are marked with red figures to insure a close fit. A piece of paper and have a smaller axial perforation, or even a blade of grass is usually ade- the MK TI is marked with black figures quate for the purpose. and takes a No. 27 dotonator comfortably. C.F. primers are packed in @.C. tine Packed 10 per black tin cylinder weigh- or trade packages, 10 per cylinder. ing 16 1/2 oz. Six cylinders are packed Trade cylinders ate of waxed paper 12 in a box painted service color, the dim- 1/2" x 1 3/é", weighing 1 1b, 3 oz. Ten ensions 13 1/8 x 5" x 6", weighing 13. of these cylinders are packed in a card- lbs. Foard box weighing 14 1ba. D.G.C. primers will initiate detonat- Main Charges or Disruptions. ion in any high explosive, provided the Wet Guncotton Slab. Violence figure: contact is good and failures that may 5500 mps. Power Figure: Approximately 60. occur are usually due to absorption of Packing: - 1 1b. slab. 6" x 3" x 1 1/2" moisture, To prevent this, they are T4 per tin case 14 1/4 x 0' x 8 3/6", coated with acetone, although the sides (airtight). may easily become cracked or chipped. Composition: - Tri-nitro-cellulose, pre- When in goad condition and undamaged, pared by troating coliulose with nitric sensitivity will be retained even under and sulphuric acids. When prepared, it wet conditions for six hours, but spec- is treated or processed into blocks and jal precautions are necessary if primers then treated with carbolic acid to pre- are to be left in water for any length vent growth of fungus, and chalk to ab- of time. Dry G.B. primera burn very rea- sorb any free acid remaining. 4 block dily if ignited, though detonation by contains 13% to 14% water. beat alone is unlikely. It should never Properties. 1t is extremely insensitive be cut or rubbed with steel, as friction and a primer must be used. When dry, it may cause burning. will burn extremely violently. on deto- if it is neceasary to previde a wider nation, large quantities of carbon di- stonation hole, it is quite feasible to oxide are given off and therefore, it widen the axial’ pertoration without sp- should never be used in confined Spaces litting, as the primer being of G.B. is such as mines or underground tunnels. of a fibrous nature. A rectifier is pro- When two or more crates are placed Vided with each tin of detonators ami in together, ond one is detonated, the the absence of a rectifier, a thin pen- detonating wave will not normally pass cil is a good substitute. through the one remaining. But the det- MK T primers can be used with Service onating wave will pass through the tin No, 27 detonators, although they were seperately. One slab of W.G.B, will originally deeigned for use with the No. blast a hole its own size through 1" of 8 detonators. If used vith a No. 27 det- steel, 10" of wood and 20" masonary. It onator, considerable rectification is is a high explosive with a good cutting necessary. Even so, it will be imoossi- power. ble to insert a detonator more than 1/2 1 slab cuts 1" steel, 10" wood, 20" inch, This amount of contact is adaquate.masonary. Dry G.B tas been known to be detonated 4 slabs cuts 2" steel, 20" wood, 40" by a rifle bullet and care should be ta- masonary. ken to minimize the chances of this hap- 9 slabs cuts 3" steel, 30" wood, 61 pening. masonary. C.E. Primers (composite explosive) is _ Guncotton is an extremely safe ex- the service nomenclature for tetra-ni- plosive to handle and vill absorb up to tro-methyl-aniline and it is also known 30% moisture, but detonation is then as tetryl. Pale yellow in color, it is rather unreliable and very much reduced, sensitive enough to be detonated by a ‘Tf used under wet Conditions, it shouldPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 5 MINES AND BooRYTRAPS be protected by "bags" of G.C., 25 1b8. ignite (50% NS) consisting of a jelly of MK TT or "bags" of G.C.s 5 Lbs. MK III. 7% coliodion cotton in nitroglycerine Asia» Tequires a primer te iniste detox ,coliedion cotton in nitrogiycer nation and the primer fits into tapered It has the power of NS Gelignite and hele in the Sean the block. Italian its sensitivity to detonation is not eaufyalent; Felgi-catony: Fapioty affected by sereture, Gontonued Tao eae me Hae. Hisaence eigure ibrage under wet somicinns oe arene: : ged ineeraion in water, novevor seers Packing: eetee ss dS pa cok q the nitrate of soda to dissolve and weg) ae ighing 28 tb, t 1a? tp. S.C forms a solution which exudes from the in a crate weighing 8. $+ exolosive. This solution ia not danger= Flake 50 ‘Lbs. parvcecenkser ous, but it may carry with it some ni- flake! 50 Ibs, per wooden box, trogaycerine. This may be setecyed Dy ponbese Very stable if pure but itS oily mature. It is only these drops , Properties. ry stable ii ure bur f NG whic! di Ol Liable to explode if in impure state. thoes sircameremcce erg eg Not very Liable to sympathetic detona- Shes S-rcametances, tion (set off by nearby detonations). When used for borehole charges, Gei- Light yellow in color. Each slab is ignite should not be removed from. its painted with acetone co procect againge tite should not he removed fron’ ie moisture, The primer fits in a central Firmly and Gentie woh ede one, Catton) etab, which te spbrosimatey See Squeezing and pressing the explosive n i into position, not on any account Sane in power, sonetines known ap Eetryi. gree, PosttiOM, ot on any acco Gelignite. Violence figure:- 6000 mps Gelignite can be reliably initiated ; Power figure 80 . with any detonator or detonating ruse. Packing:- 4 oz, and 8 oz. cartridges But best results are obtained by using packed In-cardboara boxes weighing & a primer, which must always be used 1bs., 10 boxes to a 50 1b, wooden box. with explosive when used as a cutting The explosive is wrapped in waxed paper charge. to prevent actual contact with the other cartridges, Ammonal. Gomposition: NitroGlycerine 40/60X. ~The name of ammona! is applied buth to certain blasting explo- Sodiun potassium nitrate 20K. Wood meal ives which contain aluminuee and vo miiary extionee Pod oF goltedion cotton 40/20%. ‘pon amumenium nitrate, which cota thi metal Miltary ae Properties:— Liable to exude nitro- ‘monals are brisant and powerful explusives which explode with glycerine at extremes of temperature. & bright flash. They are hygroscopic, but the flake aluminum Primers should be used, Dut Will AetO- Sai they contain behaves tomewtat i the motenes af the nate without. It is more sensitive than hinges ov s roo! and Reps Dstealy to exclude menture At any other norzal | service explosive, Be- ‘the beginning of the first World War the Germans were using ionging to the nitroglycerine group, ge- ‘in major caliber shells an ammonal having the first of the com- lignite is largely used commercially for "BN Se ORAS Ve oe borehole charges and they may be fregq- eae adsl aust hed Teas acl od) BOSE uently met in service. Tt burns quistiy Gennes soensnan Fervew in small quantities in the open. But if 1 « ASCIONAL confined or if the cartridges are bulked Azmonium nitrate... » 8 ” together, Getonation may occur. a a All types of of the gelignite group Beare ele are liable to cause headaches if bare explosive is handled. It is sensitive to had become more scarce, ammonal of the second formula was Friction, It ia Liebie to detonate if adopted. The French alec used ammonal in tasjor caliber shells struck by 2 rifle bullet. duriog the fret World War. All three of the above-lieted explo- Tt is issued in two typess- Firecry, five were losded by comprenion, Experiments have been tried its freezing point is many degrees below with an ammonal containing amnoniim thioeyanste; the mix- O centigrade. Second type, not of low ture was melted, and loxded by pouring but was found ta be freezing point with a disadvantage of ifectory because of its rapid decomposition. Ammonal freezing at 46°F, in vhich state thay yields a flame which is particularly hot, and consequently gives are dangercus to handle and use. For ‘an unduly high zewult in the Trausl lead block teat. these reasons, comverciai gelignites are ammonal is also largely used commer— not ideal for service use, but their cially and such types are generally Plastic form makes them suitable for use more sensitive than the military varie- in boreholes. The most common NG exple- ty and many are Liable to be detonated sive likely to be met is Polar. NS Gel- by a rifle bullet. Such Ammonais needPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 only a detonator or detonating fuse for iniation. But a priner should always be used on Service Ammonal to insure deto- nation. The commerciat equivalent most 1ike- ly to be met with is No. 704 in 25 1b. tins, two tins per box, weighing 60 lbs. It contains no charcoal, being light green in color and has the same power and characteristics as military Amnonal. The above are the main types likely to be met with. Following are some of the lesser used bulk explosives and their compositions, They are often ysed in smaller quantities or in cooperation with others. Velinite. A standard French explo- sive, mainly composed of tri-nitro-phe- nol (picric acid}, It should always be kept dry, as it reacts with most metals to form very sensitive Picric salts. When moist it is vivid yellow in col- or, Te should be handled with extrene care and it is liable to Sympathetic Detonation. Gases formed on detonation are very poisonous, and when mixed with air, are highly flammable. Therefore, Melinite should never be used for of~ fensive mining. Tt is obtainable in slab form or as a powler. Slabs are yellow-gray or brown in color. The powder consists of small, otrav-eolored cryatala, with a very bit- ter taste. Melinite is not sensitive to shock and will burn in free air without deto- nation, The powdered form, known as pul- verelent, is nore sensitive than the slab form and is used either as a primer or Separately for the less sensitive slab forn. 6 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS small for the average British detonator as the detonators intended for use are fulminate detonators used only with ful— minate of mercury contained in a copper tube. Violence figure 7250 mps. Power figure 100. camouflet (F, pron, ke-mé‘fla), m. [F., smoke bud into a sleepers Foco; Obigin unlinown.] Hilit., n mine with w argo so sinall a8 not to ‘produce any erator whon exploded. «uci ayine i Dien sunk i the wal of earth Letveun tv pared att terlensin order, hy INewing the eanth inka onetot thank ts sullocats or cut off tho retreat of themniner who is at work init. When woed for this purpose its al called a stvfer potard (p§-tird’) ‘An engine of war used to blow in # door or . gato, form a ese in 3 xD wall, ete. 1 game” tito. ose the abceeat iia” ails “forme ‘war a kind af mrortat of bo changed neat fovea pone of “gunpowser, Sango der PetardeerFieig e Ptard. etard almort obnolote, but as st occ n'a cubleal bor of ton toak-wood, Poundsor more ot powder, nd fre, th nya ta Lyddite. This equivalent to the French Melinite. The German equivalent is Granate Fulling, Composition: Tri- nitro-phenol. Properties, It should al- ways be kept dry as lt reacte with most It is supplied in the following forms:metals to form sensitive Picric salts, (1) cylindrical cartridge. Weight of 100 grammes, 3.22 oz. Total weight of package, 130 crams or 4.18. oz. It is used for borehoiss ox in camoufiets. Explosive, 135 grams. 4,35 oz. Total weight 190 grams, 6.12 oz. Cutting or mined charges. These charges are also manufactured in five more sizes, ending in 20 kg. 44 1bs. The cylindrical cartridge is composed of the powdered form and needs only a Liable to Sympatnetis Detonation. Its gases are highly flammable when mixed with air and are also highly poisonous. Violence figure 7250 mps, Power figure 100. Fulminate of Mercury, Composition. Procipitated when a sol- ution of mercury in nitric acid is heat- ed in methyl alconol. Properties. Fine, sandy crystals. Ve- ry sensitive when acy but compar et ively detonator or detonating fuse to initiate insensitive when wet. Seneitivity in detonation. The petards consist partly of slab Nelinite and partiy of the pow- dered form. A detonator or detonating fuse is therefore sufficient to initiate the petards as well as the cartridges. Both petarés and cartridges are sup- plied in sealed tins and the 1ids can easily be mved to gain access to the detonator socket, This socket is too creases if compressed. It reacts with metals to form sensitive metallic salts. Detonation will occur when dry if sub- jected to friction, percussion or fiame. Vietence figure 4500 pe, Cap Composition. This is made from Fulminate of mercury, potassium chlorate antimony sulphide and mealed gunpowder. Properties. These give an igniferousPOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 flash only. Fulminate of mercury increa- ses the sensitivity of the composition. Potassium chiorate, owing to its rich- ness in oxygen, increases the heat of the explosion, Antimony sulphide pro- longs the flash flame effect. Mealed gunpowder diminishes the violence of the explosion. A.S.A, Violence figure 4500 mps. Composition. A mixture of Lead azide, Lead stypnate and aluminum dust. Proper- ties. Used in conjunction with a small quantity of composite explosive (Tetry1) in modern detonators. Fairly sensitive, Lead Azide. Violence figure 4500 mps, Composition. Sait of hydrazoic acid, Brepare! by using soluble salts; such as lead acetate with sodium azide. Lead az- ide is precipitated out in fine white crystals. Properties. Initiated by flame. Not reliable by percussion or friction and is fairly stable. It ie fairly sensitive when compressed. Addition of water does not decrease sensitivity, and if exposed to moisture for long periods, it decom— Poses and forma Compounds liable to spontansous conbustion. Lead Stypnate. Violence figure 4500 mps. Composition.Normal salt of stypnate acid is precipitated when lead acetate and magnesium stypnate are mixed. Prop- grties.Initiated by flame, it is fairly insensitive. Addition of misture does not reduce insensivity but pressure does. Composite Explosive. Violence figure 6000 mps. Composition. Tri-nitro-phenol- nitromene, Commonly Known as tetryl. Properties, It is readily ignited by flash but if initiated by detonator, gives complete detonation. It is unaf- fected by moisture or temperature. Penthrite, Violence figure (Cast) 6000 mps. (Powder) 6500 mps. Properties. Tt is only used in deto— nating fuses, such as primacord and Gor- dite, It is cometines called PETN (Pen- taerythrite tetranitrate). Used by the eneny (Ttalians) as a bulk explosive. It can be detonated direct, also initiated by flash and will burn violentiy. Shellite. Violence figure 6800 mpa. Power figure 85, Composition. "A mixture of trinito- phenol and dinitrophenol. Properties.Ve- ry stable when dry but 1iabre to Sympa- thetic Detonation, Internally reacts with most metals to form a sensitive salt. Anatol. Violence figure 6500 mpa. Power Figure 114. These figures are ror "40/60" compositions of which is as fol lows1- 40% ammonium nitrate, 60% TNT. A 7 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS second type is knew as "80/20" composi- tion of which is, ammonium nitrate, 20%, ‘TNT, 80% Properties. 40/60 can be poured but 90/20 must be screw-filled with an Arch- enedian screv. A primer is essential. This explosive is fairly stable, pravi- ding the TNT is pure. Baratol. Violence figure 5000 mos. Power figure 85, Composition. Barium nitrate 20%, TNT. 80%. Properties. This explosive is some- times known as 20/80 Baratol and is ex- tremely stable. Used in powder form in grenades, mor tar bombs and sometimes mines. Barium nitrate being a heavy salt, packs very well and is unaffected by moisture or temperature. A primer should be used but small quantities will detonate without one. Gunpowser. Composition. Potassium ni- trate isk, Charcos! 15%, sulpher 10%, (Percentages are by weight). Proporties. A lifting charge. Tt is black in color. Ballistite. Composition. soluble ni- trocellulose and nitroglycerine soluble in acetone. Properties. Produces a large volune of gas. Cordite. Composition. It is pure gun- cotton dissolved in nitroglycerine, See bilized and formed into sticks. ‘There are three main types of detona- ting fuses, as opposed to fuses which detonate primers. They are Primacord, Cordtex and FID (Fuse Instantaneous Det- onating). Fuse Instantaneous Detonating. Tatyl. MK TIT. FID consists of a lead and tin alloy tube .23" in diameter filled with pure TN? (Taty1). This is wound on a metal veel in 400 ft. lengths and contained in @ yellow tin cylinder weighing 46 1bs, Violence figure 5000 mps. Principal uses. (1) To fire a number of charges simultancously when firing by safety fuse, (2) To avoid excessive lengths of safety fuse, which would oth- erwise be required in certain demolit- ions. (3) As an adjunct to electrical firing, where thero are so many Charges to be fired that the detonators will be Beyond the power of the exploder. (4) To avoid the use of detonators in boreholes or camouflets mined charges. (5) To wid— en the hole made by the canoufiet equip- ment tube, FID is perfectly reliable provided precautions are taken. This particular mixture of TNT xeadi- ly absorbs moisture, causing it to be- come insensitive, Consequentiy, 6" Should be cut off before starting to usePOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Yol. 4 the drum and 6" should always be left spare at initiating points and at junc- tion boxes, Ends left for any length of time should be sealed, taped with insu- lation tape or closed by pinching the cord out for approximateley 1/4" and Sealing the 1ead sheath by squeezing to- gether. ‘The fuse can be used under water as the metal case provides adaquate protec- tion. It is perfectly safe to handle and is initiates either by a single primer or by three detonators. The single pri- mer method is easiest to use. The single primer method binds the primer to the end of the FID, leaving 6" to spare. Method of Initiating FID, Single Pri- nor. Rubber Or adhesive tape makes the best binding. But ordinary tape or SARE Ee METHOD OF INITIATE 1D: vr sm008 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS string can be used. Successful joints can also be made py using the cardboard outer container of the primer. the FID being held betveen the primer’and card- board. The three detonators method is not sufficiently reliable using the No. 27 or No. 8 commercial detonator. FID will initiate direct all expio- sives that can be detonated alone. In all other cases the end of the FID should be capped with a primer, Where it is necessary to join two lengths of FID er to boast long lengths. (Baosting is required every 100 yards). A single priner should be used, as follows, Cordtex, This is a commercial deto- nating fuse consisting of a sensitive explosive (PETN) wrapped in a gray fab- ric tube, with or without cotton cover- benvey Sees ber, Mery. Penance wins hg wenn METHOD oF NIRTING COPDTEL QR LRM AOD. ing. Outside diameter is .19" and it may a situation where there is the least 1i- be issued on service in lieu of FID. A single strand of Cordtex is unlike- ly to be detonated if struck by a rifle bullet. Junction boxes of the fuse have, however, been detonated by impact of bullets and should, therefore, be placed xiihood of impact. Drums of fuse are un- likely to be detonated if struck. Cordtex is liable to damage by moist— ure at the open ends and one foot should be cut off rrom the drum before use and one foot left over spare at each point with care avay from hard backings and in of initiation or junction.POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol, 4 Cordtex is absolutely liable to deto- nate in hot climates and so should be stored in a cool place. Cardtex is packed on wooden reels of 500 it,, Weighing 9 1/2 lbs, Five reels per case weighing 67 lbs. Cordtex can be initiated by a single No. 27 detonator, or equivalent, as shown. Method of Initiating Cordtex. It is very Important that a spare end be bent back, as otherwise there is a danger of the burning fuse igniting the Cordtex core and preventing Getonation. It will initiate direct any of the AC group or PE2, but a primer is required for other explosives. Speed 6000 mps. Primacord. Very simitar to Cordtex in composition and use to a good quality Cordtex. It consists of a case of PETN surrounded by cotton braid and enclosed in a Coat of bituminous waterproof ing compound, followed by a layer of pho- film tape and two layers of spirally applied cotton yarn, the whole being finished hy a light-yollowish orange colored wax composition. ‘The external diameter of the ruse varies between .200" and .210" and it is wound on a wooden reel with a central hole for casy handling, It comes in lengths of 500 ft., weight 12 lbs. and 1000 ft. 20 Ibs, 9 MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS before use and one foot spare at each point of iniation or junction. Ends can Gan be sealed by fixing empty detonators tubesonto the fuse by sealing compound and vnen sealed, the fuse is highly re~ sistant to water penetration. ‘The speed of detonation is approxima~ tely the same as that of Cordtex and is hot less than 6000 mps. While single strands of fuse are not Likely to be detonated by a rifle buliat junction boxes should be protected and Placed with care avay from hacd backings. Primacord does not deteriorate quick- ly, even under unfavorable conditions of storage. Primacord will initiate direct any of the NS group or PE2 but a priner 1s needed for all other explosives. Joints are made in a similar manner to Cordtes, the most suitable being a reef knot for main lines and a clove hitch or two half hitches for branch lines. Branch lines, after leaving the main Lines at right’ angles, should be led off in the general direction of the detonating wave, These joints permit considerable strain being put on the cord. A fourth type of detonating fuse is Cardeau detonant, which is similar to a service FID except that the tube is Composed of lead instead of an alloy of A reel may contain one or more splic- tin and lead. Special care should be es, which are as strong as unbroken, Lengths and will detonate properly under all normal conditions. The explosive core is liable to damage by moisture and taken to see that there are no kinks or severe benda in the fuse. Any posi- tion where there is any doubt as to the severity of the bend should be boosted one foot should be cut off from the drum by. tying on a detonator or a primer. ee ald cab J ne i - Coneue ea ' Zz N opted, - Heed wer, bs) (onrreR. SMEMISAR Tue 2EAAy 160 ITER Time DELAY IGNITER, TIME DELAY IGNITER, This Consists of a galvanized steet tube in which the cocked striker is re- tained by a lead shear pin, A milled nut screwed on the protruding end of the striker relieves the shear pin of thePOOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 strain of the striker spring until the striker is set for use, ‘The prepared detonator slides into position through the cutaway portion of the nut, which latter retains the deto- nator when the nut is tightened. The time delay is not accurately known, but specimens have given delays up to 26 hours. To arm the igniter. Unscrew and re- nove the milled nut. To neutralize, (a) Grip the protruding striker firmy close up against the head of the igniter with a pair of wire-cutting pliers. (pb) Unscrew the igniter and remove the detonator by slackening the collar, then remove the pliers. CHEMICAL DELAY IGNITER. This consists of an aluminum body containing a cocked otriker which ie re— tained by a celluloid disc, When the ig- niter is armed, a quantity of acetone is Pe 10 MARR AA MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS released to surround the celluloid disc, vhich, after a Certain lapse of time, is sufficiently softened to allow the re- lease of the striker. (Use plastic to— aay). Different times of delay are indicat- ed by the color of the threaded portion in the middle of the igniter body. From a limited number of tests, the following times have been obtained:— Bright aluminum 1.45 hours Steel cray 2.03 hours Red 3.00 hours Jo arm the igniter. draw the U safety pin, holding the igniter with the end cap downwards. Then screw in the cap to its limit. This igniter cannot be disarmed. If found in an armed condition it should be unscrewed from the charge immediately and the detonator removed via the col— jar. Crtauure Sivitah BRITISH SWITCHES. Pressure switch. The pressure switch consists of the following parts:- (1) Main casing and base plate. (2) Striker rod, block and spring. (3) Shear stud. (4) Adapter and collar. The main casirg is made of brass. In the base there are small holes for at~ tachment to any suitable surface. The striker and rod are made of cast iron 1/8" in diameter, reduced to 1/16" un- der the shear stud, which will break it under a point load of 30-40 1bs. A heavier striker is alse available, which is 3/16" in diameter, reduced to 3/32" under the shear stud and will tire under a load of 60-80 lbs. The metal shear stud is provided with a V ahaped cutting edge and shoulders to keep it in position on the striker rod. The adapter and collar are fitted with a service cap, and designed to take either safety or instantaneous fuse. When a load of 30-40 ibs, is applied to the top of the shear stud, the strik— ex rod will be sheared, allowing the striker to be driven forward by the spring and firing the cap and charge.POOR MAN'S JAMES BOND Vol. 4 uw Pull switc! This consists of a barrel in which moves a striker block, vith a tubular tail split into four quadrants, on the end of eacn is a small lip, In the set position, these quadrants are splayed outwards by the point of the firing pin which is pressed forward by the retain~ ing spring in the top collar. The striker is then held up against the firing spring, by the 1ips on the tail engaging with a platform in the Time pencil fuse. The time pencil fuse consists essen- tially of the following parts:- GY A thin copper sleeve containing a phial of corrosive liquid. (2) A thin aluminum sleeve. (3) A striker with spring and retain- ing vire. (4) Fuse adapter and firing cap. (5) Safety-pin. The strixer is held back against the spring by a thin, steel wire anchored to the top of the copper sleeve. When MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS head of the barrel. Screwed on the bot- tom of the barrel by means of another cellar ic an adapter with a cap, also for the firing of the igniter safety fuse. When the firing pin is pulled out- wards, with a force of 1 1b., the split tail contracts to normal, enabling the lips to pass through the platform in tre head and the striker to be driven down on the cap by the firing spring. this copper sleeve is crimed and the pial is broken, its contents of cor- rosive liguid attacks the striker rot- aining wire. When this steel wire is eaten through, the striker fires tne cap in the base and, in turn, the charge, It is important te note, that the copper sleeve must. be crimped flat and not bent round and the safety-pin vith- drawn, Two fuses should be used for each important charge to guard againet risk of failure. Pobict _prapasat Shaxsgpe. Solid shrapnel charges The fOllowing prepared charges con- sists of high explosive wrapped in var- tor or igniter Pulior Push, etc. Snali_bore-hole charge, (cylindrical) 100° grams = 3,5 oz. which can be either nished paper and contains a screwed met- Tolite or Picric acid. al bush for inserting a prepared detona— Rectan lat Charge 200 grams = This resembles a cake of soap, screv- igniter (Puli or Push, etc.) Joz. ed metal bush on one side with stardard threaded push, for prepared detonator or The following prepared charges con-