The Folly of Throwing Lunge Mines: Understanding Why the Japanese Chose Not to Use This Weapon

During World War II, the Japanese weapons arsenal included an array of innovative devices designed to counter enemy armor. One such weapon was the lunge mine, a unique anti-tank mine designed for close-range deployment. However, there was a prevailing misconception that soldiers could simply throw these mines to incapacitate enemy vehicles. In this article, we will explore the reasons why throwing lunge mines was a bad idea and why the Japanese, among others, chose to use them in a more effective manner. We will also delve into the specific design and operation of the lunge mine.

Understanding the Design and Operation of the Lunge Mine

The lunge mine, also known as the Hiko-hō-riku, was a manually activated anti-tank mine. It was approximately 6 kilograms in weight, with the main explosive charge concentrated at the tip of the mine, weighing about 3 kilograms. The weapon was approximately 129.54 cm in total length, consisting of a 30.48 cm mine and a 99.06 cm wooden handle. The mine itself had a diameter of 8 cm, with a body diameter of 3.175 cm, and weighed a total of 6.48 kg, with 2.948 kg being the explosive charge.

Why Throwing Lunge Mines Was Ineffective

Contrary to the widespread belief, lunge mines were not meant to be thrown. The primary method of deploying these mines involved a tight, controlled approach to the enemy armor. This was akin to a bayonet charge, where the soldier would get rid of the security pin and then charge at the enemy armor. Upon impact, the top of the mine would collide with the objective, triggering the mine to detonate.

The lunge mine required a specific approach to ensure its effective deployment. It needed to be held in a specific manner: the soldier would grip the center of the mine with their left hand and the bottom with their right hand. When moving forward, the legs of the mine would hit the objective, pulling the handle forward. This action would cut a pin and initiate the detonator, setting off the mine. However, if the mine did not make full contact, the blast could be ineffective or even detonate sideways, potentially killing the soldier.

The Unpredictability and Risk of Throwing Lunge Mines

Throwing the lunge mine would not only make it much less effective but also introduce significant risks. To set off the mine, a minimum force of about 40–60 N (4–6 kg of weight) was required. Throwing this device with the necessary precision and force would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. As one commentator humorously noted, trying to throw a 3 kg explosive device attached to a wooden stick is akin to trying to throw a 2-liter bottle of soda onto a target. The result would likely be a mess, with the sydney soda potentially causing more damage to the user than the target armor.

Alternative Deployment Methods

The lunge mine's intended use was to be charged forward to the enemy armor, rather than being tossed. This method ensured that the mine would be correctly positioned to detonate, maximizing its lethality. However, the risks associated with controlled approaches led to some troops’ desire to cast aside these risks and act impulsively. This is a common trait in war, where soldiers may feel pressure to act quickly and decisively, often at the cost of proper training and strategy.

Conclusion

While the idea of throwing lunge mines might seem appealing, it was far from effective. The Japanese, along with other forces, recognized the impracticality and risk associated with such a method. The optimal deployment of these mines required precise footwork and a controlled approach to ensure maximum effectiveness. This strategy not only minimized the risk to the user but also maximized the destructive potential of these innovative wartime devices.