Mills Bomb
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The Mills Bomb was invented as a modern grenade, utilizing a precise internal fuse mechanism, making it much safer for the thrower than previous grenades, such as the jam tin bomb. The mills bomb is classified as defensive grenade, using a wide range shrapnel blast that requires the thrower to be behind cover. Despite this classification, it was used heavily in raids and the assault by men classified as bombers, who would carry up to 10 bombs at a time.
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Rifle Grenades
The rifle grenade was created as a means of army the infantry platoon with a means of propelling grenades far beyond throwing range, like a miniature mortar. This would make a platoon more self sufficient in combat, limiting their need to call on fire support. The rifle grenade came in two variants for the SMLE. The first, is the number 23 "rod launcher" for the number 5 mills. The second, is the "cup discharger" for the number 36 mills bomb, which utilizes a pressure plate and a blank round. These would propel a mills bomb up to 200 yars, and were issued to 9 men in every platoon.
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The Bayonet
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The pattern 07 bayonet was designed for the SMLE No. 1 Mk. 3 rifle, designed not for killing men, but for horses. Once the war settled into trench warfare, cavalry attacks became a rare occurrence, and instead, the bayonet charge became the basis of attacks. Once one made it through no man's land to the enemy line, they would be clearing out the trench. Though rifles, pistols, and bombs were used, it often came down to one's skill with the bayonet to save their life.
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Poison Gas
Poison gas was first used by the Germans in April of 1915 at the Second Battle of Ypres. Soon the Entente developed asphyxiating gas and used it at Loos. Throughout the next three years, dozens of types of gas were developed. One of the more popular was mustard gas, which irritated the skin and the eyes and would cause severe burns internally if inhaled. These were countered by protective masks which would cover the face and eyes and would filter air going in through the mouth. Poison gas has since been condemned by most nations and is rarely used in warfare.
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