cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/10338054

Flintlock hand mortars were use for signaling, launching fireworks, and hurling grenades.

They would be operated by two men. One who would insert a lit grenade then duck. The first man ducking would signal to the second man, the shooter, the mortar was ready to fire.

In the event of the mortar not firing when a lit grenade was inserted the operator would throw the device and reel it in by an attached strap.

Ian's Video: [5:48] https://youtu.be/kf9URQ7X0YA

InRangeTV Video: [7:01] https://youtu.be/mAzdYxa6kHA