These handbooks were issued to all field units in contact with the enemy in Europe and Africa, and were intended for use by all personnel to help them recognise enemy ammunition. Specialist personnel were then trained to handle and disarm/destroy the ammunition so found. Each pamphlet covers a number of items, and this issue covers Italian ammunition (and see Nos 9 and 10), including artillery shells, fuses and cartridges. It also covers more German ammunition, including 3.7cm and 7.5cm anti-tank shells, the 7.5cm shell for tanks and assault guns, and 10.5cm field howitzer cartridges.

See also the other pamphlets in this series: Handbooks 1-15 are published separately by Naval and Military Press.