Rare WWII Find: Soviet Propaganda Grenade Unearthed
Rare Soviet Propaganda Grenade Uncovered in Eastern Hungary
In a fascinating discovery on the outskirts of Balkány in eastern Hungary, the Hungarian Defense Forces have unearthed a rare artifact from the Second World War — a Soviet-made propaganda grenade. The find, made by the 1st Bomb Disposal and River Patrol Regiment, provides insight into the psychological warfare tactics employed during the war, as reported by Honvedelem.hu.
The Soviet A-462 grenade, specifically designed for delivering propaganda materials, was carefully disassembled in a secure explosive area. Inside, soldiers discovered three rolls of yellowed paper containing printed text in German, meticulously preserved for nearly 80 years.
Upon removing the grenade’s bottom plate, up to 5,600 leaflets stored in metal cylinders were revealed. These propaganda devices served as psychological tools aimed at demoralizing enemy troops.
It is believed that the artifact was left behind by artillerymen of the Soviet Union, who occupied Balkány in October 1944. These grenades were essential components of the Soviet Union’s military psychological operations, targeting German soldiers with agitation leaflets designed to erode morale and encourage surrender.
The 122 mm A-462 propaganda leaflet carrier could hold up to three rolls of paper leaflets. When detonated, the grenade would disperse its payload, disseminating messages across enemy lines. The leaflets, likely produced in large quantities, aimed to persuade German soldiers to abandon their posts or resist further combat.
This rare find sheds light on the methods and strategies of wartime propaganda, offering historians an invaluable opportunity to explore the intricate connection between psychology and warfare during one of history’s most significant conflicts.
The detailed operation of the device and translations of the German-language leaflets will be featured in the upcoming December issue of Hungarian National Guard, the official publication of the Hungarian Defense Forces.
Via Honvedelem.hu; Featured image via Honvedelem.hu.
