BOMBS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17078, 29 January 1916, Page 4

BOMBS.

THROWN BY RIFLE. AUSTRALIAN INVENTION. Bombs and the throwing of them h.v/e become a new science in the present war (writes a correspondent to the "Sydney -Morning Herald"). And the great problem hae been in tho zone of operations to supply the demand. Tli3 great number required at times, and on occasions in a hurrry, has resulted in many unique and scientific ideas to meet with the exigencies of the situation. Many would think that such difficulties could bo overcome m these days of organised munition-mak-ing. There are, however several reasons for such not being the case, and amongst them are the great cost ami the fact that all the resources ot tho Empire have not been employed in bringing forward the best that can be obtained An Australian invention has minimised the cost, and the opportunity offers. Not only does this latest weapon of death prove a means to an end economically, but it goes one turthcr in the purpose of bomb-making. It is in realitv a shrapnel bomb, which can ho fired from a seiVice rifle with a dcadlv effect. In short, it is the most destructive missile that has over been discharged from a rifle. Ihe arrangement is so complete that every man of a detachment supplied with these bombs would bo firing shrapnel instead of single bullets once the enemy was within a'certain range. When loaded the bomb weighs ljlb. It is made of semi-steel, and when exploded it throws broadcast thousands of jagged pins. And, in addition, there are the shrapnel bullets. One test conducted showed that, over 400 pieces ot shell and shrapnel penetrated of pino case, and any one piece, was capable of killing a man or putting him out of action. A more recent test has more than ever proved tbe possibilities df this new bomb. One was fired at random, and after travelling about 250 yards dropped about Bft from a post and rail fence. Each one of these posts, each 9ft apart, and each rail, were struck struck with flying fragments', and with such great force that human targets could not possibly withstand a fusillade of such missiles'. In a charge men would be less than Oft apart; therefore the execution could easily bo imagined, and even greater if dropped into a dug-out or a trench. Tho bomb can also be thrown by hand for a distance of forty yards; but. of course, its greatest advantage is that it can be fired from, a riflo and the range gauged to a nicety. It is discharged from a riflo by means of an ingenious attachment, or held to the shoulder in the ordinary way. The explosion causes very little recoil, so that the operator has no reason to fear from "kicks." ' Another most excellent advantage of the new invention is its cheapness and simplicity. It is simple to load, and any of the current commercial explosives can be used to explode it. It is safe to handle, and with little practice marksmen firing from a rifle could drop bomb after bomb almost on the same spot up to a range of 200 yards. The tests which have been "made have been brought under the notice of tho responsible authorities, and much is expected in the near future. At any rate, it is to be hoped that it will be given the due consideration that it merits, and that Australia will not only have the honour of providing this unique weapon, but hare the opportunity of manufacturing large quantities. The inventors of the new bomb are Lieutenant E. S. Andersen, Sergeant E. M. Dunn, and Corporal Harrison, the first-named being a native of Yea, Victoria, and the last-mentioned of Ballarat.