INCENDIARY LEAVES

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21688, 26 March 1942, Page 4

INCENDIARY LEAVES

POSSIBLE USE IN RAIDS How to deal with incendiary “leaves” in the event of heir use in an air raid is told in a circular issued to all Australian branches of the Bank of New South Wales by the Director of National Emergency Services in New South Wales. A copy of the instructions has reached Hamilton. “The enemy may use incendiary ‘leaves’ for the purpose of setting fire to woods, forests, stubble and growing crops,” reads the circular. “They are wafer-like and may be four inches square, two inches square or other shapes and sizes. They may be in the form of a sandwich made of celluloid wafers, with one or more holes in the centre or at the corners, while others may be in the form of a single celluloid wafer with a phosphorous disc fastened to it. “The leaves are wet when dropped, and as soon as .drying is completed they burst into flame and will burn from eight to 10 minutes. If dropped at night they do not ignite until the dew has evaporated the next morning. “Any individual ‘leaf’ could easily be extinguished but large numbers might be dropped at a time and the fires consequently be difficult to control. The potential danger is greater in country areas. Remember, do not touch them with the naked hand, and keep them wet while removing them to a place where they can burn harmlessly.”