German 1917 Rifle Grenade launcher (cup discharger)

[John Stapleton]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has any information about the German 1917 Rifle Grenade launcher (cup discharger). I have had a great deal of difficulty finding any information on this piece of kit. Vintage photos and information about its use would be appreciated!

Regards,
John Stapleton

[Steve Wilcox]

I haven't seen any vintage photos, just those of some relics, with a little information (near the bottom of both pages):
http://www.passioncompassion1418.com/de ... s_all.html

http://members.fortunecity.com/milit/germangrenades.htm

[John Stapleton]

Awesome, I had not seen the second website before. Looks like a good source for first world war grenades of all types!
From the information i've gathered these dischargers would be given 4 to each company in 1918. They filled the gap created by the discontinuation of the rodded rifle grenade early in the war. Do you know of any books that have information about the grenade launcher?

[Steve Wilcox]

I think Die deutschen Gewehrgranaten und ihre Abschussgeräte bis 1945 by Michael Heidler would cover them (I believe he is/was a member here, but I can't recall his screen-name), but I'm not 100% sure as I don't own the book. It may also be hard to find. I looked awhile back and I can't remember if there were any floating around for a reasonable price. There's a good list of grenade books (including that one) at:
http://www.lexpev.nl/grenades/booksaboutgrenades.html

They also have some information on the grenade in question:
http://www.lexpev.nl/grenades/europe/ge ... e1917.html