ower grenades this method was effective but failed when applied to
such as were invented by Mills.

Two other types of weapons may be mentioned here. One used by us and the
other by the enemy. The first was a Japanese mortar which fired a 50 lb.
bomb having a good range and a large bursting charge. This had been used
by our ally during the Russo-Japanese War. The Battalion made its
acquaintance when the move to Russell's Top took place, in December, but
unfortunately the ammunition was too scarce to permit of any lasting
benefit being derived, although the few rounds that were fired proved
their destructive effect on the opposing trenches. The Turkish weapon
was known as the "broomstick bomb" and was also propelled from a mortar.
It consisted of a 4-inch cartridge case filled with a high explosive and
also containing metal such as boiler punchings, nails, etc. (in one case
gramophone needles were discovered), and provided with a percussion cap.
It was fitted to a stick about two inches thick and five feet long. Its
descent into our lines or support area was almost vertical--hence no
cover then available was proof against it. Its effect was very
destructive and its toll of life heavy. A sentry usually watched for and
gave warning of the approach of one of these missiles, and the scene
which followed his stentorian "Look out!" was somewhat animated.
Hairbreadth escapes from destruction were numerous. Two of these will
bear relation.

A batman, preparing an evening meal, was interrupted by the arrival of a
bomb which had glanced off some obstacle and now came to a halt across
the cooking fire. The batman hurriedly evacuated his position but,
fortunately, the uninvited guest did not explode and was carefully
removed out of harm's way by the adjutant. The very next morning a
second missile came to rest on the waterproof sheet furnishing cover for
this same man. This was more than he could bear--"it was over the
odds"--and he complained. Some difficulty was experienced in restoring
to him the correct viewpoint in regard to such occurrences.

The second incident was an experience of Lieut. G. A. F. Smith, who,
whilst sitting in a newly constructed "safe" dugout, and enjoying a
meal, was startled by a sudden clatter and almost blinded by an upheaval
of earth and dust. Clearing his eyes he discovered the ruined remains of
his repast, and, lying between his legs, an unexploded broomstick bomb
that had glanced off the opposite w