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1 of 253523 objects
Mills Munitions Factory [Birmingham]
Mills bomb 1915-18
Iron | 9.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 69499
Mills Munitions Factory [Birmingham]
Mills bomb 1915-18
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The Mills bomb was developed and manufactured at William Mills's factory in Birmingham. It was the most common hand grenade used by the British troops during the First World War. The perforated edges enabled it to fragment into many pieces of cast iron on explosion, creating maximum damage. Soldiers were taught to throw Mills bombs in the same way that they would bowl cricket balls.
Provenance
Formed part of King George V's War Museum at Windsor Castle, established to display his collection of First World War souvenirs; the King was assisted by the Royal Archivist & Librarian John Fortescue (1859-1933). Many of these objects were loaned to the Imperial War Museum in 1936 at the suggestion of King Edward VIII.
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Creator(s)
(manufacturer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Iron
Measurements
9.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Birmingham [West Midlands]
