17th-Century Hand Grenades

Timeline

1. 1641–1645Mainz · MainzLate in the Thirty Years' War, during fortresses sieges, attacking sappers threw iron-shell grenades from the front of parallel trenches, using fragments and blast to kill defenders on the ramparts and destroy parapet installations.
2. 1644–1646Bridgwater · SomersetParliamentary forces used grenades alongside mortars and parallel trenches in sieges such as Bridgwater, specially selecting strong soldiers for the throwing task.
3. 1647–1650Paris · ParisThe French army systematically equipped grenadier units with grenades; this specialization laid the foundation for 18th-century grenadier companies.