Rare World War II Relic: Soviet-Era Propaganda Grenade Unearthed

On the outskirts of Balkány (eastern Hungary), the Hungarian Defense Forces uncovered a rare artifact from the Second World War —a Soviet-made propaganda grenade. The discovery, made by the 1st Bomb Disposal and River Patrol Regiment, offers a glimpse into the psychological warfare tactics employed during the war, writes Honvedelem.hu.

The Soviet A-462 grenade, specifically designed for delivering propaganda materials, was carefully dismantled in a secure explosive area. Inside, soldiers found three rolls of yellowed paper containing printed text in German, preserved for nearly 80 years.

The grenade’s bottom plate was removed to reveal its contents, including up to 5,600 leaflets stored in metal cylinders. This type of propaganda device was a psychological tool aimed at demoralizing enemy troops.

The artifact is believed to have been left behind by artillerymen of the Soviet Union, who occupied Balkány in October 1944.

These grenades were part 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. Upon detonation, the grenade would disperse its payload, broadcasting the messages across enemy lines. The leaflets, likely produced in large quantities, were intended to spread messages urging German soldiers to abandon their posts or resist further combat.

The grenade and its contents are a rare find, shedding light on the methods and strategies of wartime propaganda. The exact operation of the device and translations of the German-language leaflets will be detailed in the December issue of Magyar Honvéd, the official publication of the Hungarian Defense Forces.

The artifact not only enriches Hungary’s wartime history but also offers a valuable opportunity for historians to explore the nuanced interplay of psychology and warfare during one of history’s most significant conflicts.

Via Honvedelem.hu; Featured image via Honvedelem.hu