A satchel charge (or bundle charge, for improvised forms) is a demolition device, primarily intended for combat, whose primary components are a charge of TNT or a more potent explosive such as C-4 plastic explosive, a carrying device functionally similar to a satchel or messenger bag, and a triggering mechanism; the term covers both improvised and formally designed devices.
Uses
In World War II, combat engineers used satchel charges to demolish heavy stationary targets such as rails, obstacles, blockhouses, bunkers, caves, and bridges.
The World War II–era United States Army M37 Demolition Kit contained eight blocks of high explosive, with two priming assemblies, in a canvas bag with a shoulder strap.
Part or all of this charge could be placed against a structure or slung into an opening. It was usually detonated with a pull igniter. When used as an anti-tank weapon, charges were sufficient to severely damage the tracks. charges were enough to destroy medium tanks.
Wehrmacht soldiers also used Satchel charges as improvised solutions to destroy armored structures and vehicles. They employed the Stielhandgranate for the purpose, which was called the Geballte Ladung (),
The heads of a number of M24 grenades – their handles and fuses removed – would be strapped around a complete grenade, usually with simple rope, cloth, or metal wire, a solution initially invented during World War I using M15, M16 and M17 grenades.