WWII SOC Pocket Incendiary...

[WWIIBuff]

I was searching the internet for information on the various incendiary sabotage devices used by the SOE during WWII, but surprisingly, I could not find anything.

Does anyone have photos, documents, or any other information they can post about the different devices that were used?

I've attached pictures of an example from my collection. Based on what I've read in the wonderful book "SOE Equipment Air Dropped In Europe 1940-45" by forum member Anders Thygesen and his co-author Michael Sode, I believe this to be a Mk.IIA.

Thanks

John

 

[WWIIBuff]

This sketch is from the new 2nd Edition of Anders book. It is a reprint of a page from the WWII SOE Sabotage Pamphlet.

 

[BMG50]

There are some very good books out there showing a SOE catalogue, worth searching for.

 

[WWIIBuff]

Yes, I have the book "Secret Agents Handbook" by Mark Seaman which shows page reprints from the original "Descriptive Catalogue Of Special Devices And Supplies" that was put out by The War Office. I have attached a scan of the corresponding page here. Unfortunately this does not give me some of the information I am looking for. As an example, what is the difference between the Mk.II A and the MK.II B.

Also it mentions that the Delay Mechanism is similar to that of the Switch No.10 Time Pencil, with various delay times available. But does not mention how it was determined which delay that particular incendiary had. From what I read in Anders book, I believe they may have had different color wooden safety splints in the slot above the ampoule. Since my example is deactivated, there isn't a wood splint included.

Lastly I am hoping someone has an example of the black Mk.I version that they can post pictures of.

 

[Bonnex]

John,
I expect you know that you have set quite a task. There were about three dozen different devices with incendiary properties used, or nearly used, by the SOE and other special operations groups. My list of candidates goes something like:

1.Braddock Incendiary

2.Diesel Oil Incendiary

3.Directional Incendiary

4.Flash Grenade

5.Incendiary (M Flare)

6.Magnesium Incy 2 1/2 lb (L Flare)

7.Magnesium Dust Incendiary

8.Oil Nitrate Incendiary

9.Paraffin Incendiary (Tysule)

10.Petrol Incendiary & 'H' capsules

11.WP Gren No 77

12.Pocket Time Incy PR5

13.Potassium Chlorate & Sugar

14.Incendiary Thermit 1 1/4 lb

15.Bomb Thermit 2 1/2 lb 16.Bomb Tree Spigot Incendiary (Experimental)

17.Grenade SIP (No 76)

18.Flare Ground 15 min

(Signal with Incendiary properties became an RAF store)

19.Incendiary Ammunition (SAA)

20.Arrow Incendiary

21.Incendiary Block

22.Incendiary Grenade AP

23.Incendiary Leaves ( (adapted RAF Stores Razzle and Decker)

24.Incendiary 1 lb (ML Flare)

25.Incendiary 1 3/4 lb Mk II Firepot (converted RAF store)

26.Jet Thermit Bomb

27.Small Magnesium Incendiary 28.Incendiary Attache Case 29.Incendiary Briefcase 30.Incendiary Deedbox 31.Incendiary Suitcase 32.Incendiary Protected 33.Portable Safe (Welcase') 34.Cigarette Incendiary

 

[WWIIBuff]

Wow! No Bonnex, I did not realize how many different devices there were. I was mainly interested in the pocket incendiary, but was curious about what else was used as well. I guess it would be quite difficult to get pictures of each example, or details about them. Hopefully anyone who has examples can post pictures.

 

[Duson]

These are the Incendiaries I have in my collection. The pocket one is a bit demaged unfortunately but I do have the inside mechanism. The second is the Thermit 2 1/2 lbs bomb. And last is my replica of the Giant Tyesule Incendiary

 

[Anders]

Yes, I have the book "Secret Agents Handbook" by Mark Seaman which shows page reprints from the original "Descriptive Catalogue Of Special Devices And Supplies" that was put out by The War Office. I have attached a scan of the corresponding page here. Unfortunately this does not give me some of the information I am looking for. As an example, what is the difference between the Mk.II A and the MK.II B.

Also it mentions that the Delay Mechanism is similar to that of the Switch No.10 Time Pencil, with various delay times available. But does not mention how it was determined which delay that particular incendiary had. From what I read in Anders book, I believe they may have had different color wooden safety splints in the slot above the ampoule. Since my example is deactivated, there isn't a wood splint included.

I do not know about the Mk.IIB, never heard of it, but the difference between the Mk.I and Mk.IIA is the construction of the tin box, the colour of the PTI and the wooden safety strip has been covered with cellophane. The two integral safety strips projecting from the bottom of the tin can be seen in the photo (See yellow circles).

The delay was indicated, as you write, by the coloured wooden safety strip. Notice the green wooden safety strip on the photo.

 

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks Anders