The flamethrower capitalizes on mans primal fear of fire, and its intimidating effect on defenders is undisputed.
[To read more on the history of these weapons, check outFlammenwefer World War I German Flamethrowers.]
First to Fire: Americas M1 Flamethrower
America entered WWII far behind in flamethrower technology.
An M2 flame gunner of the 6th Marine Division burns out Japanese defenders in the caves of Okinawa in the spring of 1945. Image: NARA
Some successes were achieved with the M1A1, but the weapon and particularly its fuel were greatly inconsistent.
A better solution was about a year away.
Napalm quickly became the incendiary fuel for US fire bombs and flamethrowers, both man-portable and vehicle-mounted.
Often difficult to light, the use of lesser fuels and low pressure dogged the M1 flamethrower, giving it an effective range of just 15-20 yards. Image: NARA
Along with napalm, American troops received a new flamethrower in the summer of 1944.
This was the backpack frame-mounted M2-2.
Heavy casualties among flamethrower operators in early Pacific operations may be traced directly to these factors.
The flame wand (or “gun group”) of the M2 flamethrower seen in the hands of a Marine on Okinawa, 1945. Image: NARA
It is the responsibility of those who have located the target to give full information to the flamethrower team.
The flame gunners became critical targets for Japanese snipers and MG teams.
To protect the flamethrower during the assault, the Army recommended an abundance of suppressing fire on the target.
U.S. Marines training with the M2 flamethrower at Camp Pendleton. Image: NARA
The third requisite of a successful flamethrower assault is continuous fire support.
Whatever its source, it must be maintained until the flamethrower team is in position.
By the time of the Okinawa campaign, these tactics became known as Corkscrew and Blowtorch.
M2 flamethrowers were used by both Army and Marine units in the Pacific Theater from late 1944 through the end of the war. It is shown here in use on Luzon during January 1945. Image: NARA
Some reports note that the range of the tank-mounted flamethrowers was also much lower than expected.
is not necessary to have a flamethrower with the rifle company at all tImes.
A rifle company is more efficient without the burden of refueling and maintaining the flamethrowers.
A dramatic image of a U.S. 27th Infantry Division flame gunner attacking a Japanese cave-bunker on Okinawa during June 1945. Image: NARA
Also the flame thrower is too heavy to be carried every place that the rifle company goes.
For those reasons the assault platoon under battalion control proved extremely effective.
The process of busting bunkers and flushing out caves was grueling and dangerous.
This is a detailed technical drawing of the U.S. M2 flamethrower from training materials. Image: Author’s collection
The body strap should be tight enough to prevent the tank group from bouncing excessively when you run.
Several techniques are used to ignite the fuel.
You may desire to coat the target with fuel before you ignite it.
One hot mama: “Miss Spitfire”, seen during the approach to Iwo Jima in February 1945. Image: NARA
In this case, first depressthe fuel valve lever, allowing the un-ignited fuel to go to the target.
Then ignite the fuel byfiring an ignited burst at the target.
There are five charges in the ignition cylinder.
A “Zippo” flamethrowing tank and Marine riflemen assault Japanese positions on Okinawa. Image: NARA
Each of these charges will burn for 8 to 12 seconds.
The fuel is controlled by the fuel valve lever.
to get to operate this lever, depress the valve safety lever at the same time.
A pipe-smoking Marine flame gunner takes a break from his job on Iwo Jima. Image: NARA
The ignition grip of the M7 gun group can be rotated and adjusted to suit the gunner.
Release the fuel valve lever as soon as the fuel is exhausted.
you’ve got the option to tell when the fuel is exhausted by a definite change of sound.
The M2 was also used in the Korean War. Here a flame gunner of the 1st Marine Division uses an M2 to burn out communist defenders in a bunker near Inchon during September 1950. Image: NARA
Initially the flame rod should be fired onto the top of the target and immediately depressed into the target.
He may fire one long continuous burst or short bursts, at his discretion.
c. Bursts should be delivered from a stationary position.
U.S. Marines using the M9A1-7 flamethrower during the Vietnam War. The M9A1 flamethrower was an improved M2, showing the design’s effectiveness through the decades. Image: NARA
Movement decreases accuracy and endangers the flamethrower gunner.
Accuracy
Flame can be fired with accuracy through small apertures.
The degree of accuracy required depends upon the target.
In the right tactical situations, the M2 (M9A1-7) remained an effective weapon in the Vietnam War. Image: NARA
