INCENDIARY BOMBS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 50, Issue 3057, 2 April 1941, Page 7

INCENDIARY BOMBS

HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM METHODS TO BE USED Information, in regal’d to incendiary bombs, and how to deal with them, is contained in a circular which has-been issued by the Emergency Precautions Scheme Organisation in Auckland. It is pointed out that incendiary bombs may be designed for single or multiple effect. The single bomb produced one fire-centre, while the multiple bomb threw out a number of fire-producing units. The most common incendiary bomb was of the small electron type, weighing from 2JTb upwards. The outside casing consisted of a magnesium tube with an ignition composition, usually thermite, or other substance containing its own oxygen. The fuse for lighting operated on impact, and when it was ignited it could not be extinguished by ordinary means because of the oxygen in the ingredients. A bomb of 2Jib falling from 5000 ft would penetrate roofing material, such as tiles, slates, fibrolite or corrugated iron, but a reinforced concrete roof four inches thick would probably resist penetration. If not removed or extinguished, an incendiary bomb might burn, through a floor and cause a succession of fires. It could be dealt with easily if prompt action was taken.

The use of sand is advocated for dealing with incendiary bombs. It is necessary for the operator to carry a long-handle shovel and bucket of sand, and to tip three-quarters of the sand on the floor about 6ft away from the

bomb. The shovel is then used to place sand round the bomb. The operator should then work the- shovel beneath the bomb and place it in the bucket, where the sand left in the bucket prevents the magnesium melting the bottom and falling through. The bomb can then be removed to a safe place. Dry, fresh-water sand is necessary, as salt-water sand absorbs moisture, which causes rapid reaction.