The following brief report on incendiary disks dropped by German aircraft over England is taken from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 16, Jan. 14, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

INCENDIARY LEAVES It has been reported that incendiary disks, 9 inches in diameter and having the appearance of yellow crepe rubber, have been found on the east coast of England. They appear to have been dropped by enemy aircraft, and are probably intended to set fire to crops and woods. These incendiary leaves are thought to contain a phosphorous compound and burst into flame when dry. There is no risk of explosion if only small quantities are present. If found, such leaves should be kept wet and should not be touched with bare hands. They may be disposed of by placing them, in small quantities, in a fire in the open. When the leaves are picked up, the residue of inflammable material on the ground may cause a fire after it has become dry. Such residue should be carefully watched until it is completely burned out. It is dangerous to dispose of the leaves by throwing them into inland waters or the sea, since there is always the possibility that they may be washed up on to vulnerable objectives.

Back to Articles by Subject | Intel Bulletin by Issue | T&TT by Issue | Home Page