Man finds stick firebomb in the garden

Uncovered in the Backyard: A Potent Reminder of War History

In an unexpected turn of events, a resident in Mainz stumbled upon a relic from the past in their backyard. The discovery, unveiled by the explosive ordinance disposal service, was none other than a stick-bomb—a chilling reminder of World War II's aftermath.

Stick-Bombs: A Flame-Throwing Familiarity

Dubbed "stick incendiary bombs" or colloquially known as Molotov cocktails, these simple yet potent devices were invented during WWII. Consisting of a flammable substance in a container, with the ignition source cleverly concealed, they rose to prominence as ingenious—and deadly—improvised weapons.

From War Fields to Mainz's Backyard

The stick-bomb found in Mainz shares many characteristics with its notorious WWII counterparts. These devices burned fiercely for several minutes, posing a serious threat during conflicts. Their lightweight, easy-to-make nature made them a staple in guerrilla warfare and resistance movements.

Handling the Unexpected Guest

Officials advised the public to maintain a safe distance from the discovery, urging caution to avoid any potential fires near the bomb. It was deemed a non-immediate threat, providing a chance for a careful and calculated recovery effort.

A Lesson in History

The discovery in Mainz served as a stark reminder of the lengths humankind went to during armed conflicts. While the precise purpose of the stick-bomb remains unknown, its existence is a malevolent link to bygone eras when violence was rampant.

Embroiled in history and memory, stick-bombs played a significant role in shaping wartime tactics and politics. The rediscovery of this WWII artifact in Mainz's backyard paints an unsettling picture of an era long gone, yet eerily close to home.

Sources: - - [Enrichment Data]

[Enrichment Data]: Stick incendiary bombs, also known as Molotov cocktails, were improvised incendiary devices used during World War II. Here are their common characteristics and history:

Common Characteristics

1. Design and Composition:
2. Container: Typically a glass bottle, often a jam jar or similar container.
3. Fuel: Filled with flammable substances such as petrol, paraffin, and tar.
4. Ignition System: Initially, a fuel-soaked rag or windproof matches were used for ignition. Later, self-igniting versions like the SIP (Self-Igniting Phosphorus) grenade were developed, which used white phosphorus and benzene.
5. Usage:
6. Tactical Use: Effective against armored vehicles, particularly tanks, by igniting the fuel-soaked rag or phosphorus mixture upon impact, causing fires that could burn the rubber tracks and other combustible materials on the tanks.
7. Improvisation: Easy to make using readily available materials, making them a popular choice for guerrilla warfare and resistance movements.

History

1. Spanish Civil War:
2. The first recorded use of improvised incendiary devices similar to Molotov cocktails was during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. General Francisco Franco ordered their use against Soviet T-26 tanks.
3. Winter War (1939-1940):
4. The Finns perfected the design and tactical use of the petrol bomb during the Winter War against the Soviet Union. They refined the fuel mixture and added wind-proof matches or a phial of chemicals that would ignite on breakage.
5. World War II:
6. Finland: The Finnish military continued to use and improve the design, producing over 542,104 bottles by spring 1940. They were effective when used in the right way and in sufficient numbers.
7. Great Britain: The British public and military became interested in the petrol bomb early in 1940, with General Ironside advocating for its use against enemy tanks. The British War Office produced training instructions for the creation and use of Molotov cocktails by August 1940.
8. United States: The US army designated Molotov cocktails as frangible grenades and developed various versions, including the M1 frangible grenade. However, these were eventually declared obsolete due to their limited destructive effect.
9. Other Fronts: The Polish Home Army developed a version that ignited on impact without a wick, using a reaction between sulfuric acid and potassium chlorate. The Norwegian Army also used petrol bombs during the Norwegian campaign against German armored vehicles.

Molotov cocktails were a significant part of guerrilla warfare and resistance movements during World War II, providing a simple yet effective way to attack armored vehicles and other targets. Their use continued beyond the war, becoming a symbol of resistance and protest in various contexts.