BATTLE REPORT #16 Fall Gelb:Blitzkrieg 1940

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY

''The decisive factor in our successes was the self-sacrifice,devotion to duty and valour of the frontsoldaten,the willingness of commanders at all levels to assume responsibility that are the hallmarks of the german soldier''
- Von Manstein
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Although the panzer divisions reaped most of the glory,the core of the wehrmacht remained the horse drawn foot infantry- The Frontsoldtaen or Landser,without whom no successes would have been possible.German infantry fought in western europe,russia,the balkans,italy and north africa and in every theatre earned a reputation for tactical flexibility,efficiency and extreme tenacity.Time after time despite tremendous odds these qualities beat back far larger numbers of enemy troops .While the allies surpassed the germans on grand strategic and operational levels in the late war period,in tactical prowess german soldiers remained formidable opponents right till the very end.German infantry were opponents that could be hated or feared,but whose fighting qualities were universally respected on all fronts.In 1940 the german infantry was the best in the world.The secret lay not only in its leadership philosophy and doctrine,but also its training.

BASIC INFANTRY TRAINING:

Hitleryouth and RAD:
We have seen how the recruitment took place by call-ups in 'waves' through the wehrkreise.Military service was compulsory,all german youths that entered the wehrmacht moreover had come through service in 2 paramilitary organizations before joining the army.The Hitler youth and the RAD(German Labour Service).
The HJ(Hitlerjugend) was responsible for training between 14 to 18 years age.The labour service was compulsory as a six month service between 18 and 24 immediately before the army call-up.RAD thus served as middle ground between HJ and Wehrmacht.Training was based on hard physical exercise, foot drill, map reading,field craft and weapon training with small bore weapons.HJ also served as a platform for ideological indoctrination.

Training Depots:
Basic training for german infantrymen was carried out in the training depots.Throughout the war german basic training remained the most effective and rigorous of all armies and was able to churn out dependable soldiers almost to the end,even when the proper requirements in the quality and age of manpower declined from late 1942 onwards.Training period of 16 weeks was planned in detail to put all available time to good use.Aim was to produce a self-sufficient soldier comfortable with his equipment,able to endure hardship of campaigning, obedient to his superiors but possesing enough initiative and tactical skill to be able to command one rank above his own.The basic motto of the training programme was -

''Sweat saves blood''

The Training programme -
The recruits were divided into sections(lowest sub-unit 9-10 men),and met their section leader or Gefreiter(usually a veteran).Each section was allotted a room in the barracks.They were then issued personal uniform and equipment and given a haircut.The training day would begin at 5:00 am when they would be thrown out of their beds.They then had to clean the room,lockers,tidy up the beds,shave and dress.A small period of running exercise may or maynot be added.At 6:45 breakfast of coffee and bread given to be finished in 15 minutes.This breakfast would often be made unavailable on purpose to replicate battlefield conditions.Each day was divided into morning and afternoon square.Typically morning training would include lecture and drill on the barracks square.Lectures would be made by platoon commander regarding the soldier's objective and place of the german army in society etc.Tactical lectures were not given at this stage,german method emphasised introducing tactical methods by practical example in the field.Lunch would be at 12:30.At 1:30 all members of a platoon would be assembled and inspected and given notices on personal development(if necessary) by the gefreiter or platoon sergeant.Afternoon training would typically include hours of physical exercise and field training or weapons training at the firing range.Evening meal was taken at 6:30PM.Rest of the evening hours would be spent in cleaning uniforms,kit,weapons,the room and miscellaneous activity which increased as training period advanced.
The training itself was divided into - Barracks Training & Field Training

I.Barracks Training -

Barracks training involved personal cleanliness (which was heavily stressed), as well as weapons cleaning, and the inevitable chores of floor polishing,bed making and general household duties with which all armies concern themselves.
Barracks training fostered team spirit and created the bonds of friendship in sections that lasted into battle
Boots had to be carefully maintained,foot damage caused by badly fitting boots was a serious offence.
Recruits also had to strip back their beds every morning to allow them to air as hot, sweaty soldiers have never been renowned for their personal hygiene.Lockers, too, were subject to the basic rule of tidiness, although the German Army
at this time did not make a fetish of'spit and polish' like some other armies.
Punishment for error was swift and were also regarded as training events, and so polishing dustbins and painting grass green were not among the prescribed sanctions. Instead, men would be made to go on a long run in full field gear, or made to practise field movements, especially crawling through muddy sumps and wading through streams
and rivers. On many occasions the punishment was physically very demanding.One soldier wrote:

''I had to put on the punishment pack ... which weighed nearly eighty pounds... After two hours my helmet was burning hot from the sun, and by the end I needed all my willpower to keep my knees from buckling... I learned that a good
soldier does not cross the barracks square with his hands in his pockets.''​

II.Field Training -

Few hours a day was devoted to Rifle drill on the barracks square.This was mainly to foster discipline and obedience.However, rifle drill in the German Army was not limited to parade handling: it also included tactical handling — loading, unloading, making safe and cleaning.

1.Weapons Training -

Rifles -Core of field training was weapons training.Recruits were issued with the standard german army rifle -The reliable and accurate Mauser 98.Rifle cleaning and maintenance were heavily emphasized.Throughout 16 week period the recruit endured 398 instructional periods on rifle drill,familiarity and cleaning/loading and 234 periods on shooting practice.On average a recruit spent as many as 40 sessions per week with his rifle and fired over 300 rounds.This made the weapon second nature to him.German army doctrine however neglected bayonet training as it viewed riflemen in a supporting fire role to the squad LMG than in an independent assault role.This would cause problems in cases of hand to hand fighting(especially in russia).

Training in rifle skills went on throughout the soldier s life in the German Army, and his marksmanship was under constant review. The training began with 'dry' aiming (no cartridge in the weapon and using tripods and an aiming disk) under the strict supervision of an NCO. Once he had learned the basics of holding and aiming his rifle properly, the soldier progressed to the training tables. Each trainee fired a few rounds from different positions from the training tables, with an NCO constantly at his side to correct faults and to improve technique.The first shooting position was lying down with the rifle supported, then soldiers practised shooting while sitting.Trainees progressed to unsupported firing lying, kneeling,sitting and (most difficult of all) standing. Every round fired was recorded by the company clerk, and the platoon NCOs were always willing to increase the required training if necessary. The essence of the training was to make every recruit utterly familiar with his rifle and its capabilities on the range. Field firing with live ammunition camelater, but only when the trainee was well versed in safety procedures and was known to be able to exercise common sense.As soon as the best shots in each section were recognized, these men were instructed intensively on the MG 34, naturally in addition to their other tasks.

Machine Guns -The German Army based its infantry sections on the firepower of the machine gun.The machine gun had proved its value in both defence and attack during World War I,and Von Seeckt recommended that every infantry section should consist of a machinegun to win local firefights, with a number of riflemen acting as support for thein defence, and as the assault party in the attack.This principle meant that every section now had the firepower of a platoon of riflemen (at least), and was able to lay down defensive, interdictory or suppressing fire as the situation required.In 1940 the mg34 was the standard machine gun of the german infantry -the first all-purpose general machine gun in history.All recruits received initial training on the weapon, but anyone who showed aptitude for the gun was given extra training in all its aspects. No doubt this was sometimes regarded as a curse by those chosen, for they now had additional duties to perform,and they had to carry the gun and its ammunition in the field. Initial training totalled 68 hours, including six hours on the range.Pistols like the famous Luger were only issued to officers,vehicle crews and machine gun crews.At least five hours a week were devoted to training on the machine gun, which included loading, unloading, clearing stoppages, aiming techniques and fire plans. As the weeks went by, the machine-gun section and the rifle section were slowly integrated into their battle sections.

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Hand Grenades - In World War I, the German Army had probably the most effective hand grenade of the era, which
became the Type 24 stick grenade(also called 'potato masher')and was still on issue in 1935. Its long handle allowed it to be thrown far further, and with greater accuracy, than any contemporary grenade.The weapon was so simple to use that only three hours were needed to make recruits basically proficient in its use.

Sub-machine guns - The first sub machine guns were developed by the germans as close quarter assault weapons for clearing trenches.They had short range with low accuracy,but this pray and spray method was highly effective in enclosed trenches as the smg firing pistol ammunition in fullauto could lay down a good volume of firepower quickly.The MP38 was the standard wehrmacht SMG,soon to be supplemented by the more easy to manufacture MP40.This weapon was allotted to section leaders and 10 hours were devoted to training on this weapon in all,being extremely easy to clean and use.

Mortars - An infantry mortar was issued to every platoon(3 sections). It was 5cm calibre, and fired high-explosive(HE), smoke and illumination bombs. All infantry were trained in its use, but in basic training only familiarity training was given. The role of the mortar was to give short-range area support to attacking infantry with its HE bombs, and to provide cover for movement via smoke bombs. It also fired illumination shells equipped with a delaying parachute, which were of great value during night defensive operations. Although the HE bomb was only of limited power, it had a good effect on morale, and the 5cm(51mm) mortar was hampered by an extremely complex levelling mechanism , which delayed action times. Though this problem was later solved ,the platoon mortar slowly fell into disuse from 1942-due to manpower shortages and lack of explosive killing power of the round and was supplemented by the deadlier 81mm at the company level.

2.Miscellaneous Training -

Ballistics training - German soldiers were also instructed in the classroom on the basic technical aspects of ballistics, learning about the components of their rifle and the cartridge it fired. They learnt about which type of cartridge they were firing, and what its purpose was.The German Army used a standard 7.92mm rimless rifle and machine-gun cartridge with 4 bullet types available.(standard lead core,heavy steelcore,tracer,incendiary)

Map reading - Each individual German infantryman, for example, had to be able to use a map. This was a reflection of the basic concept that every soldier had to be able to do the job of his superior. He was trained in the use of the compass and square, and was able to give eight-figure grid references, to assess dead ground from a map (by drawing a section), and learnt how to orient his map and navigate with it.Troops also had to be able to recognize and name land forms, and to evaluate the cover that terrain might afford them in attack and defence. They were taught to do this partly by map reading and partly by practical exercise.The recruit had to be able to work out the best route for crossing country both in attack and defence. He could get some help from the map, but frequent practical exercises drove home the lesson that cover was essential when moving.

Range Estimation - The skill of range estimation was also important, for although at battalion level the machine-gun company had a portable range-finder, it was vital for every soldier to be able to estimate range so that effective fire orders could be given. The lectures in ballistics helped infantrymen to judge distances accurately, so that the effective 'beaten zone' of bullets at the end of their trajectory was where it needed to be — on top of the enemy.

Mortar and Artillery fire control - All infantry were also given basic instruction in issuing fire orders to mortar teams
at battalion level and above, and to the regimental artillery. When the artillery observation officer was not on site, any infantry unit could call for fire from the regimental guns, in addition to fixed 'SOS' fire tasks. The co-operation between infantry in the line and mortars and artillery was good at all times, meaning that fire support was usually effective
and timely.Those who showed a particular aptitude with a specific heavy weapon could expect further training with it, and might be transferred to the relevant platoon when capable of carrying out the duties required to fight with the weapon.Excellent infantry/mortar co-ordination ensured that german mortar teams caused heavy casualities on the allied side on all fronts especially with the later 81mm and 120mm calibres despite no great technological superiority.

Infantry/Tank Co-operation - In the new German Army, infantry/armour co-operation had become an essential
element of training during the 1930s. The men were introduced to mock tanks during their 16 weeks' training, until such time as the real thing was available. Very few of the infantry regiments were given any in-depth familiarization with the new weapon,however, as the Panzer divisions were expected to work on their own, with the infantry coming up behind to consolidate the tanks' territorial gains. Not enough thought or effort had gone into motorizing the infantry, and the German Army began to suffer asthe war went on; tanks unprotected by infantry are vulnerable to anti-tank weapons,
and infantry on their own cannot break through well-defended frontlines.

3.Tactical Field Training -

Tactical field training was at the heart of all German infantry skills. German soldiers learned to be aggressive above all else, and were drilled in vigorous movement both before the attack and during it.Training began once every man in the section was conversant with the use of the rifle and the LMG. The emphasis was always upon learning by practice,and only a few classroom periods were devoted to the infantryman's battle skills.These skills were considered by all instructors to be best acquired in the field, not at a desk. Field training was designed to be as realistic as possible, and a German officer commented that
'We have considerable losses in battle training, but this is unavoidable',because 'machine guns fire ball ammunition over the heads of attacking troops, with a very small safety margin, and mortars support the infantry to within 50 yards of the objective'.
Every soldier was trained almost incessantly by his NCOs in how to move across country. A primary aim was to ensure that men got into battle without being killed.The section tactics for moving across country were only taught after each man knew how to move himself, whether in open country, woods and trees, or in a built-up area.Tacticalexercises filled half the training time. Within six weeks new recruits were taking part in field manoeuvres that involved units as large as a division, and that included all arms.The Germans profited from the lessons ofWorld War I, when they found that half-trained troops accomplished less and sustained greater losses.

Many hours were spent both on tactical training in field craft, and in survival on the battlefield. Not every meal could be guaranteed to come up to the front in a steaming food container. Sometimes, often frequently, the men had to cook for themselves. The Esbit personal cooker could be used to heat both food and water for coffee. Unless troops were
trained in the careful use of cooking fires, they would invite retribution from artillery or aircraft for their folly. Hence recruits were taught to dig trenches for their fires and to make sure that the flames were fully extinguished before nightfall to avoid observation by the enemy from either ground or air. They were also taught how to use their shelter
quarter to make a waterproof coverall for themselves, and how to erect a weather shelter.Such skills were particularly important in periods of rain or cold, as troops soon lose morale and fighting spirit if they cannot keep dry and relatively warm.
There was also practical training in the use of camouflage. The German Army was not particularly good at camouflage, and even in the early part of the war it was a failing noted by many observers and participants. Things really only improved when they lost their air dominance in Russia in 1942.
The German Army prided itself on the ability of its men to march long distances with full loads. In training, distances and loads were increased during the first 16 weeks until by week 13 they were expected to march 28km in full battle order and with battleammunition issues, which added a significant 9kg to their load. As they made this march they were also expected to exercise security measures front and rear and to the flank, and to carry out forward reconnaissance. Such training would stand them in good stead in the years to come.March was also used as punishment.

After Training:
Finally after 16 weeks the recruits passed out from basic training and joined the active duty regiments.There they continued further training on duty.

(Section Leader)​

NCO TRAINING -

General categories. The two basic categories of noncommissioned officers are the ones enlisting for either 12 or 41/2 years, called active or professional NCOs , and the conscripts promoted to NCO's rank, called reserve NCOs . The active NCOs may either serve in ordinary NCO's functions in the various arms and services or they may receive specialized training as technicians. Typical training establishments for ordinary NCOs are the Army NCO schools, for technicians the specialist training schools and the special-service schools of chemical warfare troops, engineers, and signal troops. The reserve NCOs receive special training in NCO courses, which may be conducted in the Field Army as well as in the Replacement Army.

(1) Ordinary NCOs.
(a) Selection. The German High Command considered the possession of a highly qualified NCOs corps as of vital importance for the effectiveness of the Army .For the professional NCO corps two sources were open:
Volunteers for the NCO career may apply at the age of 161/2 years and, if accepted by a selection center for potential Army officers and NCOs, enter the Army at the age of 17 as NCO applicants .Some of these may have had pre-Army training for this career as junior cadets in Army NCO preparatory schools.

(2) Reserve NCOs.
Conscripts already in service who wish to enlist for either 12 or 41/2 years must have a good record as leaders in combat, instructors, and disciplinarians. They can enlist only after one year's service and are finally accepted only after 2 years' service. Only those are accepted for a 12-year term who will be not over 38 years of age at the end of their service period; the age limit for men enlisting for 41/2 years is 28 years. If acceptable, these men are appointed NCO applicants by their battalion commanders.

(b) Training of NCO applicants. The NCO applicants belonging to units of the Replacement Army are normally educated and trained at the Army NCO schools. The training period of a NCO applicant volunteer at an Army NCO school was 10 months. The first 4 months were devoted to basic training, and during the remaining 6 months the applicant received training as a squad leader in his particular branch of service.
Men enlisting for long-term service while serving in the Field Army may take part either in a NCO applicant course conducted by a field headquarters, especially in a divisional combat school, or in a course at a field noncommissioned officer school.
There are similar courses for NCO technicians.

NEXT: GERMAN INFANTRY ORGANIZATION

 

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GERMAN INFANTRY : ORGANIZATION

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THE INFANTRY DIVISION -
The heart of the wehrmacht,the horse drawn(rail transported) foot infantry organized in divisions which acted as the lowest standard tactical and administrative all arms unit.Above depicts the standard organization of a 1939 infantry division.The core of the division consists of 3 infantry regiments -each infantry regiment having 3 infantry battalions,and artillery company and an anti-tank company to deal with the full spectrum of threats on land.
Apart from this a heavy anti tank battalion,signals battalion,a full artillery regiment,a reconssaince battalion(of armored cars) and an engineering detatchment form the divisional reserve(independent of the core 3 regiments) for employment in crucial sectors when needed by the divisional commander.The wehrmacht followed the trilinear model on a division,usually a divisional commander may employ 2 of his regiments -one in defense,other offense(or one in a pinning role,other flanking) while keeping the third in reserve(divisional assets being allocated to whichever force needed it).
Note: In above diagram the divisional heavy anti tank battalion is given 36 anti tank guns of 75mm(pak40).This gun was only available in quantity from 1942 onwards(where captured russian 76 mm was also used).In the french campaign even the divisional anti tank battalion usually had 37mm guns and a few pak38 (50mm guns).In crisis supporting Luftwaffe field units could supply their formidable 88 mm Flak36 AT/AA gun.

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Germany mobilized over 300 infantry divisions during the course of the war in 'waves'.The basic organization remained the same from 1939-1942.Until changes were made in 1943 and 44 to address germany's critical manpower shortage problems.The first 39 divisions had a strength of 17,000 men per division.Later divisions until 1943 were around the region of 15,000 on paper strength.

(Breakdown of an infantry division -Click to enlarge)
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The composition of a regiment.Composition of its support artillery and anti tank units and the 3 battalions of the regiment down to its company and squads(gruppe).In 1940 a german platoon(zug) had 4 squads of 10 man each(gruppe) plus a light mortar section.(5cm mortar).3 zugs(platoons) plus a anti tank rifle section(soon to be discarded due to obsolete performance) made up an infantry company.3 such companies plus a heavy weapons company with Heavy machine guns and 81 mm heavy mortars(acting as battalion reserve) made up the battalion.
Also detailed is the composition of the divisional level artillery regiment and anti tank battalions held in reserve independently from the individual infantry regiments.

Standard military symbols depicting unit types.Remember these for those unaware.

Graphical diagram of a german infantry division using symbols.See the infantry,artillery,anti-tank and support elements are clearly seperated.

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The firepower of a german infantry division.Above diagram depicts the integral artillery and mortars of the division which provide it with considerable indirect fire capabilities.The LMG in every 10 man squad,the light mortar at platoon level and the heavy machine gun and mortars at battalion level provide incremental levels of fire support.At regimental level 75 mm infantry support field guns are available for another step up.The divisional level posseses 105 mm and 150mm artillery support for a well structured model.
In terms on anti-tank assets.at company level an anti tank rifle section is present(soon to prove worthless largely and discarded).An anti tank company at regimental level and heavier AT gun(when available) battalion at divisional level.

Overall Divisional Strength -

Divisional HQ:
Map Reproduction Section
Military Police Section
Total Personnel & Equipment:
158 Personnel
2 LMG's
17 Motorcycles
31 Motor Vehicles

Reconnaissance Battalion:
Battalion HQ
Communications Platoon
Horse Troop
Bicycle Troop
Heavy Weapons Troop
1 Panzerjäger Platoon
1 Armored Car Section (3 armored cars)
1 Infantry Support Gun Section (2-75mm guns)
Light Reconnaissance Column
Total Personnel & Equipment:
625 Personnel
25 LMGs
8 HMGs
3 37mm, 50mm, or 75mm AT guns (up gunned as new guns
became available.)
3 20mm AA guns (1943-45 only)
3 50mm Mortars
4 81mm Mortars
2 75mm Infantry Support Guns
45 Motorcycles
30 Motor vehicles
3 Horse Drawn Vehicles
213 horses
Signal Battalion:
Battalion HQ
Radio Company
Telephone Company
Light Signals Column
Total Personnel & Equipment:
474 personnel
17 LMGs
32 Motorcycles
103 Motor vehicles
7 Horse drawn vehicles
52 horses

1st Infantry Regiment:
Regimental HQ
Regimental HQ Company
1st Infantry Battalion
3 Infantry Companies (12 LMGs, 3 50 Mortars)
1 Heavy Support Company (12 HMGs & 6 81mm Mortars)
1 Cavalry Platoon( later discarded)
2nd Infantry Battalion
Same
3rd Infantry Battalion
Same
(Infantry Close Support Howitzer) Company
(AT) Panzerjäger Company
Light Infantry Column
Total Personnel & Equipment:
3,250 Personnel
123 LMGs
36 HMGS
27 7.92mm Anti-tank Rifles
12 37mm, 50mm, or 75mm AT guns (up gunned as new guns
became available.)
27 50mm Mortars
18 81mm Mortars
6 75mm Infantry Support Guns
2 150mm Infantry Support Guns
47 Motorcycles
73 Motor Vehicles
210 Horse drawn vehicles
683 Horses
2nd Infantry Regiment:
Same
3rd Infantry Regiment:
Same

Divisional Artillery Regiment:
Regimental HQ
Regimental HQ Battery
1st Light Artillery Battalion
1 Staff Company
Calibration Section
3 Batteries (3 105mm lFH & 2 LMGs)
2nd Light Artillery Battalion
same
3rd Light Artillery Battalion
same
4th Medium Artillery Battalion
1 Staff Company
3 Batteries (4 150mm sFH & 2 LMGs)
Total Personnel & Equipment:
2,500 Personnel
32 LMGs
36 105mm lFH field howitzers
4 105mm guns
8 150mm sFH field howitzers
40 Motorcycles
105 Motor Vehicles
229 Horse drawn vehicles
2,274 horses

Divisional Panzerjäger (Anti-Tank) Battalion:
Battalion HQ
Communications Platoon
1st Panzerjäger Company(12-37mm AT guns & 6 LMGs)
2nd Panzerjäger Company(12-37mm AT guns & 6 LMGs)
3rd Panzerjäger Company(12-37mm AT guns & 6 LMGs)
Total Personnel & Equipment:
550 Personnel
18 LMGs
36 37mm, 50mm, or 75mm AT guns (up gunned as new guns
became available.)
45 Motorcycles
114 Motor vehicles

Engineer Battalion:
Battalion HQ
Engineering Company (Partly Motorized)
Engineering Company (Partly Motorized)
Heavy Company (Motorized)
Bridging Column (Motorized)
Light Engineering Column
Total Personnel & Equipment:
843 Personnel
34 LMGs
9 7.92mm AT rifles
20 Flamethrowers
44 Motorcycles
87 Motor vehicles
19 Horse drawn vehicles
52 horses

Divisional Services:
Divisional Supply
10 Supply Columns
1 Light POL Supply column
1 (mot) Maintenance Company
1 Light (mot) Supply column
Administration
1 Bakery Section
1 Butcher Section
1 Quartermaster Section
Medical Units
1 Field Hospital
2 Ambulance Companies
2 Medical Companies
Veterinary Company
Field Post Office
Total Personnel & Equipment:
2,300 personnel
30 LMGs
8 20mm AA/AT guns (only in 1944/45)
88 Motorcycles
253 Motor vehicles
245 Horse drawn vehicles
735 Horses

The Infantry Regiment - Already discussed in detail above.The above diagram is a schematic representation of its organization.We can see the breakdown of the 3 individual battalions of a regiment,plus its artillery and anti tank support units and its staff/logistics train.

The Infantry Battalion(abeitelung) and Company(kompanie) - Already discussed before.Above is a schematic diagram in detail.You can see the breakdown of the 3 individual infantry companies and the heavy weapons company of a battalion.Plus the battalion staff/logistics train.More detail in tactics section later.

The Infantry Platoon(Zug) - Already given earlier.Platoon command staff,a 5 cm mortar and its crew for fire support and 4 squads of 10 men each make up a german platoon.In poland the germans used 3 squads of 13 men each,but they found this organization too cumbersome.Hereafter organization was changed to 4 squads of 10 men each.3 platoons and an anti tank rifle section formed a company's strength.More detail in tactics section later.

The Infantry Squad(Gruppe) - The 10 man german infantry squad was the lowest tactical sub-unit and the heart of german fire and manuevre tactics.Reduced from the cumbersome 13 men organization of the polish campaign after staff study,this unit was lean and efficient.Contrary to other armies who viewed riflemen as the main force of an infantry squad and the machine gun as support,germans viewed the machine gun as the centrepiece of infantry tactics.The job of the riflemen was to protect and cover the Machine gun's deployment into firing position and ensure its security,and exploit any openings provided by the hail of lead laid down by the machine gun.
By this time all armies employed a light machine gun for fire support in their squads.Germans went a step forward to create the first true general purpose machine gun -The Mg34.This gun could be fired from the hip on the assault during a squad attack.Acted as an lmg if mounted on a bipod at squad level for a stable fire support platform laying down suppressive fire.At battalion level mounted on a tripod for range and accuracy and perhaps a scope it would operate as an heavy machine gun(HMG).Other armies still employed different machine guns for LMG and HMG role.The german standard ammunition for both riflemen and machine gun was the 7.92mm and this standardization was also very useful in logistics.
The gruppe itself was divided into an assault group and fire group.The squad leader usually was armed with a Sub-machine gun(MP38/MP40).There was the assistant leader,5 riflemen with bolt action rifles and a 3 man machine gun crew.One gunner and 2 assistant loader and ammunition carrier.In total this compact 10 man unit allowed for a set of flexible options.Either leader or assistant leader would stay with the machine gun crew and direct its fire.The rest of the 6 men led by the ***.leader/leader(usually armed with the SMG)could attack the enemy position either from one flank(while supported by cover fire of other rifles/mg) or both,going grenade and smg first and rifle thereafter.In defense their main role was to keep the machine gun safe and firing and prevent enemy flanks.More detail in tactics section later.

Other types of infantry divisions - Mountain division,Motorized infantry division,Light division.
Infantry Equipment

 

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GEBIRGSJAGER -GERMAN MOUNTAIN INFANTRY​

Gebirgsjager or mountain infantry of the german army were specialized light infantry with additional training.
8 mountain divisions were raised by the wehrmacht throughout the war.Some were german army divisions and other previously austrian army formations.The men were largely recruited from the bavarian and austrian alpine region.Along with the Panzergrenadiers(motorized infantry),the Fallschirmjager(paratroopers) the gebirgsjager were considered elite infantry by the german army.

The organization was largely same with that of an infantry division.An example -
1st Gebirgs (Mountain) Division: Formed on 9 May 1938.
1/,2/,3/98th Gebirgsjäger Regiment(1,2,3 representing the 3 battalions)
1/,2/,3/99th Gebirgsjäger Regiment
1/,2/,3/100th Gebirgsjäger Regiment
1/,2/,3/,4/79th Gebirgs (Mountain) Artillerie Regiment
44th Panzerjäger Battalion(anti tank)
54th Reconnaissance Battalion
54th Pioneer Battalion
54th Signals Battalion
54th Division Support Units
Only difference was the artillery was usually mountain artillery/pack howitzer-easily transportable in rough terrain.The soldiers were equipped with skis,climbing equipment,winter clothing etc.

A gebirgsjager squad LMG gunner.The machine gun remained central to german infantry tactics throughout all formations.You can see the rope and climbing equipment on his backpack.At the time of Fall Gelb all the german mountain divisions were in norway occupying that country,save the elite 1st mountain division.

Now there also existed an intermediate type of division -the light division.Of this experimental type -only 5 were raised and 4 of those converted to panzer divisions before the french campaign.Another was converted too in africa.So id didn't bother.Ignored security/garrison units.

Fallschirmjager,the elite german paratroopers played a vital role in the french campaign.But these were under the control of the Luftwaffe,the german air force and will be explained later in the thread.

Finally the motorized infantry(mechanized infantry div didn't exist in 1940)will be discussed along with panzer division later.Here is a final roundup of the organization of a german infantry division of the standard type.

NEXT :GERMAN INFANTRY EQUIPMENT AND WEAPONS.

 

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GERMAN INFANTRY -WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT

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German infantrymen were equipped with a wide variety of heavy and small arms throughout the second world war and the standard types were largely in service by 1940.Rifles,pistols,grenades,mortars,bayonets.sub-machine guns,anti-tank rifles,mines and light and heavy machine guns largely formed an infantryman's arsenal upto the battalion level above which they recieved artillery and anti-tank guns support also.

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BATTLE RIFLE : THE KARABINER 98 KURZ

The standard service rifle of the wehrmacht throughout world war 2,the K98K was the last in a long line of famous mauser bolt action rifles dating back to the late 19th century.It served in all theatres over the course of world war 2.It was a bolt action rifle with a 7.92mm cartridge chamber -accurate,reliable and powerful.The german soldiers nicknamed it 'The pup' or the 'Bow and arrow'.

(German industrialist-designer Paul Mauser patented the gewehr 98)​

Origin :
Tracing its roots to the Lebel Model 1886, the Karabiner 98k was most directly descended from the Gewehr 98 (Model 1898) which first introduced an internal, metallic five-cartridge magazine.The new mauser rifle made a spectacular debut in the first decade of the 20th century in the colonial boer war where afrikaan and dutch settlers armed with these shot down and sniped british infantry and artillery gunners at ranges well over 500 yards with frequently devastating results forcing several changes on the british lee enfield.The original mauser 98(Gewehr 98 as it was designated) had several revolutionary features and inspired all contemporary rifle designs such as the american springfield,the soviet mosin nagant,the japanese arisaka as well as being adopted by militaries of many nations worldwide.The mauser is in many ways the grandfather or king of all bolt action rifles,with possible competition only from the british Lee enfield.

(The mauser 98 first introduced the internal rimless 5-cartridge magazine)​

The gewehr98 saw massive scale service in the first world war where it served as germany's standard battle rifle.A modified shorter carbine version K98 was built for the cavalry,and during world war 2 another K98b was produced for use in trench fighting where the long length of the gewehr proved unwieldy.In 1923, the Karabiner 98b was introduced as the primary rifle for the post-World War I German military. As the Treaty of Versailles prohibited the Germans from producing rifles, the Karabiner 98b was labeled a carbine despite the fact that it was essentially an improved Gewehr 98.

In 1935, Mauser moved to upgrade the Karabiner 98b by altering several of its components and shortening its overall length. The result was the Karabiner 98 Kurz (Short Carbine Model 1898), better known as the Karabiner 98k (Kar98k).One change was the shift to using laminated stocks rather than single pieces of wood, as testing had shown that plywood laminates were better at resisting warping. Entering service in 1935, over 14 million Kar98ks were produced by the end of World War II.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Cartridge: 7.92 x 57 mm (8 mm Mauser)
• Capacity: 5-round stripper clip inserted into internal magazine
• Muzzle Velocity: 760 m/sec
• Effective Range: 547 yards, 875 yards with optics
• Weight: 8-9 lbs.
• Length: 43.7 in.
• Barrel Length: 23.6 in.
• Attachments: Knife Bayonet S84/98, rifle grenades

The mauser was very simple to maintain,extremely reliable,very accurate and powerful.The stopping power of its bullet was higher than other bolt action rifles giving it good efficiency at ranged combat.Its rate of fire however was slightly lesser than the british enfield,and certainly much lesser than semi-automatic designs of the late war era like the american M1 garand.It also had a 5-cartridge stripper clip magazine compared to the british 10.

When issued the Karabiner 98k came accompanied with assorted accessory items including a sling, a protective muzzle cover, and for field maintenance a Reinigungsgerät 34 ("Cleaning Kit 34") or RG34 kit. Introduced in 1934, the Reinigungsgerät 34 consisted of a flat 85 mm (3.3 in) wide by 135 mm (5.3 in) long sheet metal container with two hinged lids carried on the person, which held an oiler, a take down tool for removing the floorplate and cleaning the receiver of the rifle, an aluminum barrel pull-through chain, a cleaning and an oiling brush, and short lengths of tow used as cleaning patches.
The K98 could be equipped with a Rifle grenade launcher- a concept dating back to the trench fighting days of the great war.In 1942, the attachable launcher called the Gewehrgranatengerät or Schiessbecher ("shooting cup") was introduced that was developed based on rifle grenade launcher models designed during World War I. The 30 mm Schiessbecher cup-type rifle grenade launcher could be mounted on any Karabiner 98k and was intended to replace all previous rifle grenade launcher models. The rifle grenade launcher could be used against infantry, fortifications and light armored vehicles up to a range of 280 m (306 yd). For these differing tasks, several specialized grenades with accompanying special propelling cartridges were developed for the 1,450,113 produced Schiessbecher rifle grenade launchers. The rifle grenade-propelling cartridges fired a wooden projectile through the barrel to the rifle grenade that, upon impact, automatically primed the rifle grenade.​

Germany also developed also one of the first silencers.The HUB-23 suppressor attatchment was visually identical to the rifle grenade launcher more or less,could suppress around 75% of the noise.It was employed by snipers and special operations troops.When scoped the kar98k's accuracy,range and stopping power made it a solid sniper rifle with ranges upto 900 yards.A bayonet could be attatched for close assault action -a frequent occurence in the eastern front.​

Though the Allies moved towards using semi-automatic rifles, such as the M1 Garand, the Wehrmacht retained the bolt-action Kar98k with its small five-round magazine. This was largely due to their tactical doctrine which emphasized the light machine gun as the basis of a squad's firepower. In addition, the Germans frequently preferred to use submachine guns, like the MP40, in close combat or urban warfare.In the final year and a half of the war, the Wehrmacht began phasing out the Kar98k in favor of the new Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) assault rifle. While the new weapon was effective, it was never produced in sufficient numbers and the Kar98k remained the primary German infantry rifle until the end of hostilities.Following World War II, millions of Kar98ks were captured by the Allies. In the West, many were given to rebuilding nations to rearm their militaries and served for years.It is again in production as the most popular bolt action hunting and sports rifle as well as a collector's item for gun collectors.

NEXT: PISTOL,GRENADES,MINES .

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS - II

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SIDEARM : PISTOL P-08 LUGER

The Pistole Parabellum 1908—is a toggle-locked recoil operated semi-automatic pistol that entered german service in 1898 and served in both world wars.One of the first semi-automatic pistols,the luger's sleek and compact design ,accuracy,exacting standards of manufacture(made to last) made it a prized weapon for collectors and an effective pistol overall.

Austrian designer George Luger patented the Luger in 1898.The pistol derives its iconic name from him.The original version was chambered for 7.65mm cartridge,but the more common 1928 version had the 9mm round.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Weight - 871 grams (1.92 pounds)
Length - 222 mm (8.74 in)
Cartridge - 7.65mm/9mm
Action - Toggle Locked,short-recoil
Rate of Fire Semi-automatic
Muzzle Velocity 350–400 m/s (1148–1312 f/s; 9mm, 100 mm barrel)
Effective firing range 50 m (9mm, 100 mm barrel; short barrel)
Feed system 8-round detachable box magazine, 32-round detachable drum
Sights - Iron Sights.

Mechanics of the Luger Pistol.The luger was extremely reliable,but costly and difficult to manufacture.The demands of industrial war necessisated a more simpler design.Luger production thus ran until 1942 when it was replaced by the P38 walther.Allied troops often called both pistols the luger.Luger has seen several limited production runs after the war due to its prized iconic status.

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WALTHER P38 PISTOL :
Designated the succesor to the complicated and expensive luger,the P38 was to be the standard service pistol for the wehrmacht,though both versions remained in widespread use.The pistol was a last ditch close quarter weapon and was issued to officers ,machine gun and vehicle crews and pilots.About a million P38s were produced.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Weight 800 g (1 lb 12 oz)
Length 216 mm (8.5 in)
Barrel length 125 mm (4.9 in)
Cartridge 9mm
Action -Short Recoil , locked breech
Muzzle velocity -365 m/s (1,200 ft/s)
Effective firing range Sights set for 50 m (55 yd)
Feed system- 8-round detachable single-stack Magazine
Sights - Rear Notch and Front Blade Post

COMBAT HELMET : STAHLHELM M1935 & M1940

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The infamous german 'coal scuttle' helmet the stahlhelm emerged first in the cauldron of the trench warfare of the great war.All the combatants went into world war one with leather caps which offered no protection from modern weapons or artillery shrapnel and fragments.The french were first to note the huge casualities to head wounds and issue their soldiers with steel helmets.Britain and germany followed suit.

The design of the Stahlhelm was carried out by Dr. Friedrich Schwerd of the Technical Institute of Hannover. In early 1915, Schwerd had carried out a study of head wounds suffered during trench warfare and submitted a recommendation for steel helmets, shortly after which he was ordered to Berlin. Schwerd then undertook the task of designing and producing a suitable helmet broadly based on the 15th century sallet, which provided good protection for the head and neck.It made an impressive debut at verdun in 1916 leading to a dramatic drop in head wound related deaths.

(The british brody helmet)​

This basic design was refined over the years. German military planners preparing for the next war in the 1930s knew that the conflict would be different and that modern infantryman would need to move faster and be more mobile. As a result the M17/18 was replaced with the M35 or model 1935 helmet. This stahlhelm utilized a newly designed M1931 helmet liner that further aided in making the protective device comfortable to the wearer. The rounded dome, neck guard and visor were shortened when compared to the WWI varieties, but the helmet retained the same basic look of the earlier models. The overall silhouette and profile of the M35 was drastically smaller but the familiar shape still offered excellent protection to the wearer’s head. Once war broke out the German stahlhelm underwent the first of a few minor changes beginning in 1940. The first was mostly a cosmetic change in the end result but actually reduced the number of procedures in the production. The vent brushings were omitted and instead a punched embossed vent hole was incorporated into the design. At a quick glance the helmets are almost identical.

(French adrian helmet)
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The stahlhelm design was superior to both the french and british helmets and offered much better coverage of the neck area.This feature influenced post ww2 american and nato designs who modified their helmets and today the modern NATO helmets have a marked resemblance to this design.

NEXT: HAND GRENADES AND MINES

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS -III

HAND GRENADE :STIELHANDGRANATE MODEL 24

Grenades had existed in the 16th and 17th century,but these were crude explosive devices with a very short range and dangerous for the user.The original grenadiers meant for sieges,soon turned into musket armed elite infantry.It was the trench warfare of world war 1 that brought the grenade back with a vengeance-the fregmentation HE blast capable of clearing trenches quickly.The basic grenade consists of a metal casing containing an explosive charge. This is detonated by a time delayed fuse activated when the safety device is disengaged. This gives the operator approximately four seconds before detonation, in which time he has to break cover, throw the thing and, perhaps most importantly, get back into cover before the ensuing explosion. Because of the uncontrolled nature of the explosion, fragments of the casing are just as likely to reach his position as they are the target.
This unfortunate side effect lead to the development of 'offensive' grenades, in which the segmented metal casing designed to produce shrapnel was eliminated. Instead, the concussion effect of the explosion, which would disorientate the victim at least for a few seconds became itself a weapon. It dictated that a swift follow up with rifle and sub machine gun be made though, as the advantage would only be fleeting.
The grenade in all its forms saw its greatest use during the war and remains every bit as important as the rifle and bayonet to the modern soldier. The sheer scale of the fighting in streets and cities guaranteed the grenade would become the standard 'calling card' before entering a known or simply suspected enemy building. Yet it was a double edged weapon. Many ill trained or unthinking men fell victim to the blast of their own grenade, following up before it had gone off. Casualties also racked up during the supposedly simple operation of inserting the detonators, a task only undertaken prior to action where circumstances permitted. Experienced men took to securing the often exposed safety lever with tape to prevent accidental removal, which they occasionally neglected to remove in the heat of combat.

Grenades that were developed of 2 types - The stick grenade and the egg grenade.The german army used both types but prefered the former.While the allies settled on the egg grenade,the unique shaped german stick grenade became synonymous with the german infantryman.The German Model 24 Stielhandgranate was a concussion grenade introduced in 1915 and the design developed throughout World War I. A friction igniter was used; this method was uncommon in other countries but widely used for German grenades.
The basic world war one german hand grenade design was so good it remained in service as the standard german hand grenade throughout both world wars.The german stick grenade's unique lever attatched to the head allowed it to be thrown double the distance of the allied egg grenades - 40 yds compared to allied 15-20yrds.The stick design also reduced the risk of the grenade rolling back towards the thrower. A german grenadier holds the record for hand throw at 77 yrds.It was however larger in size and thus lesser could be carried.Each german infantryman had a compliment of grenades and used them regularly in assault or close quarter combat where it was a much more fearsome weapon than the rifle.
The Model 24 grenade (popularly known as the "potato masher") becoming one of the most easily recognized of all small arms, and synonymous with the German soldier.It was replaced from 1943 by the simpler to produce Model 43.

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MODEL 39 EIHANDGRANATE :

The Model 39 was a German hand grenade produced in 1939. This grenade used the same fuse as the Model 43 Stielhandgranate ,which was screwed into the top. In order to start the fuse the cap had to be unscrewed and the pull cord tugged. The grenade's colour on the cap indicated the time of the fuse. A delay of 4 seconds was typically used. If the grenade was going to be a fixed booby-trap ,then an instantaneous fuse was used. When enemy soldiers attempted to use discarded grenades they would be blown up when they tugged on the pull-cord. They could also attatch it to a door-frame in a building with the pull-cord attached to the door. When an enemy soldier kicked the door open the grenade would detonate. It had a much lower range,but could roll in close quarter fighting and more could be carried.

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BUNDLE GRENADE :

German ingenuity found the basic model 24 grenade could be used in an improvised "bundle" style with another six explosive heads (without their sticks) wired around the central stick grenade. These were known as Geballte Ladung ("baled charge").For antitank, and antipillbox demolition the heads of six model 24 or model PH 39 stick grenades were removed from their handles and tied together around a seventh stick grenade with a handle intact. This could serve as an ad-hoc solution to early ww2 tanks.

Why stick grenades fell out of favour after world war 2?

Despite the range advantage stick grenades couldn't roll,and also a soldier could carry double the amount of egg grenades.In modern combat,often urban range is less of a factor.Moreover during world war 2 grenade launchers were rare weapons.Today the grenade launcher,both dedicated automatic versions as well as the under barrelled one are capable of hurling grenades at far greater distances and take care of the range factor.Thus stick grenades have not seen use.

MINES : ANTI-PERSONNEL S-MINE 35

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The German S-mine was the most feared and lethal anti-personnel mine of world war two.A highly innovative design it was used extensively by the german army in all theatres and over 2 million were produced.The S-mine entered production in 1935 and served as a key part of the defensive strategy of german land forces.These mines inflicted heavy casualties and slowed, or even repelled, drives into German-held territory throughout the war. The design was lethal, successful and much imitated. The S-mine remains one of the definitive weapons of World War II.

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The s-mine was placed in the ground with only it's three pronged top exposed. After it was triggered the mine jumped into the air between 3 to 5 feet. A second later it would detonate sending ball bearings, steel rods, and metal pieces in all directions. It was an anti-infantry mine and had a lethal range of 22 yds and a casualty range of 110yds.

SPECIFICATIONS:
-Height: 127 mm
-Diameter: 102 mm
-Weight: 4.l kg
-Explosive charge: 182g TNT

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The S-mine was normally triggered by a three-pronged pressure fuse. It could also be modified to be triggered by a tripwire. The steel tube that held the fuse was threaded to accept any standard German ignition or trigger, allowing the sensor to be removed and the mine to be deliberately triggered by a human operator. When triggered, the mine functioned in two stages (see diagram).

1. First, the mine was fired 0.9 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 ft) upwards by a small propellant charge.
2. Approximately a half-second later, the main charge detonated at the optimum height to kill or severely injure anyone in the immediate area.
3. The main charge of the mine was surrounded by roughly 360 steel balls, short steel rods, or scrap metal pieces. These became metal shrapnel that sprayed horizontally from the mine at high velocity.

The time between triggering and ignition of the propelling charge varied between 3.9 and 4.5 seconds, depending on the age and condition of the mine. According to German documentation, the S-mine was lethal within 20 meters (66 ft) and could inflict casulaities within 100 meters (330 ft).
The french first encountered this weapon during the phoney war and it immediately built up a reputation.The allied soldiers nicknamed the weapon 'Bouncing Betty' and it was among the most hated of all german weapons due to its tendency to maim rather than kill.The design was much imitated post-war.

TELLERMINE 35 ANTI-ARMOUR LANDMINE :

The standard anti-tank mine of germany during this period the Tellermine 35,nicknamed the mushroom was a reliable and effective anti-tank mine used in large quantities.
The mine's case is made of sheet steel, and has a slightly convex pressure plate on the top surface with a central fuze well. Two secondary fuze wells are located on the side and bottom of the mine for anti-handling devices.
For use on beaches and underwater the mine could be deployed inside a specially designed earthenware or concrete pot, which acted as a waterproof jacket for the mine.
Pressure of 400 pounds (180 kg) on the center of the mine or 200 pounds (90 kg) on its edge deforms the pressure plate compressing a spring, and breaking a shear pin which holds back the spring-loaded striker. Once the striker is released it flips downwards into a perscussion cap which fires the adjacent detonator followed by the booster charge and then the main explosive filling of TNT. Tellermine43 was a later variant for simplified production

SPECIFICATIONS :
-Height: 102 mm
-Diameter: 324 mm
-Weight: 9.l kg
-Explosive charge: 5.5 kg TNT
-Trigger weight: 100 to 180 kg

Other mines entered service from 1942 are not given

NEXT: SUB-MACHINE GUNS -MP38/MP40

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS -IV

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SUB-MACHINE GUNS : MP-38 & MP40

What became known as the "submachine guns" had its genesis in the early 20th Century and developed around the concepts of infiltration and fire and movement, specifically for the task of clearing trenches(nicknamed 'Trench broom') of enemy soldiers, an environment within which engagements were unlikely to occur beyond a range of a few feet.In 1915, the German Rifle Testing Commission at Spandau decided to develop a new weapon for trench warfare.The Commission determined that a completely new kind of weapon was needed.Hugo Schmeisser designed the world's first practical sub-machine gun -The MP18 .(Machine Pistole 18)

(The german MP18 - The first of the sub-machineguns)​

This went into action in 1918 for germany's last great offensive of world war one.German Stormtroopers armed with submachine guns and other specialized equipment made great early progress before lack of reserves and allied firepower stalled the offensive.The MP 18 proved to be an excellent weapon. Its concept was well proven in trench fighting. Its basic design directly influenced later submachine gun designs and showed its superiority over the regular infantry rifle in urban, mobile, and guerrilla warfare.

Concept of Sub-machine gun -
In the early 20th century ,powerful, heavy and lengthy bolt-action rifles like the German mauser and the British Enfield were dominant among an infantry still wedded to the idea that every soldier was a longrange marksman, picking off targets at the extremities of the battlefield.Between the beginning of World War I and the early 1940s, combat experience yielded new data about the realities of small-arms actions. A fundamental conclusion was that in the real world soldiers rarely engaged targets at more than 300m, even though they were equipped with weapons capable
of reaching out to well over double that distance. In actual fact, any human-sized target beyond 400m was difficult enough to see, let alone to shoot.Furthermore, many battlefield encounters involved small-arms exchanges at ranges of less than 100m.

(Hugo Schmeisser -Father of the MP18/28 and STG44)​

''The dynamics of combat shooting change profoundly at close ranges when compared to long-range engagements. Targets appear briefly between areas of cover, particularly in urban or forested areas. Considered aim is rarely possible, the soldier resorting instead to snap-shooting, often without the weapon properly mounted in the shoulder. Bolt-action rifles are poorly suited to this performance. Their length makes them unwieldy in confined terrain, and the need to operate the bolt mechanism means that quick follow-up shots are problematic, if not impossible. SMGs, by contrast, are at their best at close ranges and in small spaces.''
'By firing pistol-calibre rounds(rifle rounds having too much recoil), SMGs trade range (effective range is little more than 150m) for controllable full-auto fire,putting as many rounds as possible onto the target area in a fleeting window of time. The rapid fire they deliver compensates for imperfect aim.The ripples of fire are not only intrinsically suppressive, but they can also allow an individual soldier to engage multiple targets simultaneously and successfully. Shooting from the hip is more than just a ‘spray and pray’ approach. A high magazine capacity (30-100 rds)compared to 5-10 round stripper clip magazines on rifles, depending on the weapon and magazine type – ensures that there are usually plenty of rounds left for follow-up shots, as long as the soldier exercises some discipline with ammunition consumption and makes intelligent magazine changes.' The compact design of SMGs also allow better manuverability and agility as well -keys to battlefield survival.

In the interwar years the sub-machine gun gained steam.Versailles treaty didn't allow rifles for germany,but a small number of sub-machine guns were allowed for the police forces.2 sub-machine gun designs competed and were popular - Schmeisser's modified MP18 - The MP28 and Vollmer's(another famous gun designer) ERMA EMP.

MP-38( MACHINE PISTOLE -38)

The M.P. 38 submachine gun started its life under requirements from German Army Weapons Office, which saw the need for a compact submachine gun, suitable for use by armored vehicles crews and paratroopers. German arms-making company Erfurter Maschinenfabrik Gmbh,better known under its trade name Erma, began the development of a new weapon under army specifications. The new submachine gun was not built from the scratch; instead, it was just an evolution of a rarely known prototype weapon, provisionally known as Erma MP-36. MP-36 was a compact version of the better known ERMA EMP, but fitted with now-familiar underfolding metallic shoulder stock and bottom-feed magazine, which was slightly canted forward to accommodate EMP magazines. MP-36 was a selective-fired weapon, and in fact the improved MP-38 was a simplified version of its little known predecessor, adapted for different magazine. Therefore, it took only few months before the new weapon was ready for official adoption and mass production. Manufacture of a new submachine gun,designated as MP-38, commenced in summer of 1938.Though both the MP38 and its successor were called 'schmeisser' by allied troops,Hugo schmeisser had in fact nothing to do with these designs.

Both MP 38 and MP 40 submachine guns are open bolt,blowback-operated automatic arms. Fully automatic fire was the only setting, but the relatively low rate of fire allowed for single shots with controlled trigger pulls. The bolt features a telescoping return spring guide which serves as a pneumatic recoil buffer. The cocking handle was permanently attached to the bolt on early MP 38s, but on late production MP 38s and MP 40s, the bolt handle was made as a separate part.One unique feature found on most MP 38 and MP 40 submachine guns was an aluminum or steel resting bar or support under the barrel. This was used to steady the weapon when firing over the side of open-top APCs(armoured personnel carrier).
The MP38 featured the folding butt,which when collapsed reduced length by 8 inches,a new design feature taken from the MP36 prototype and first introduced in any mass produced weapon worldwide.The unloaded gun weighed under 9 pounds and was fed by a 32 clip magazine.The detatchable bar magazine also acted as a forward handgrip.The MP38 was all-metal contrary to previous guns and made completely from machined parts -a beautiful piece of engineering.

Limitations - MP38 production run was ended after 1940 despite the excellent performance of the weapon - 40,000 to 50,000 guns having been manufactured.The primary reason was that it was simply too costly and inefficient to manufacture due to german shortage of war-time quality steel and machine parts.
A serious problem associated with the open-bolt system of the MP 38 was its safety or lack thereof. When the bolt was jarred out of the sear it would slam forward and fire the gun. The fitting of a positive bolt lock in the form of a lock on the bolt handle, which was then fitted into a notch in the receiver, apparently fixed the problem. This simple modification to the MP 38 was then utilized by German ordnance workshops with parts supplied by ERMA. These improvements led to further modifications, and to the development of the next version of this iconic SMG – the MP 40.

MP-40 (MACHINE PISTOLE-40)

The MP 38 receiver was made of machined steel, but this was a time-consuming and expensive process. To save time and materials, and thus increase production, construction of the MP 40 receiver was simplified by using stamped steel and electro-spot welding as much as possible. The MP 38 also features longitudinal grooving on the receiver and bolt, as well as a circular opening on the magazine housing. These features were eliminated on the MP 40.
The MP 40 benefited from certain cost-saving alterations, notably in the more extensive use of stamped-steel rather than machined parts. Producing a milled receiver and its components results in a lot of wasted steel; it costs more in terms of machine time, as well as making the weapon a bit heavier. In comparison a stamped-steel construction takes less time and minimizes the amount of waste in milling steel components – it is also less costly.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 4,7 kg loaded, 4,03 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 630/833 mm
Barrel length: mm
Rate of fire: 500 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds
Effective range: ca. 180 meters(200 yds)

The MP 38 and MP 40 also had a forward-folding metal stock, the first for a submachine gun,resulting in a shorter overall weapon when folded; however, this stock design was at times insufficiently durable for hard combat use.Although the MP 40 was generally reliable, a major weakness was its 32-round magazine. Unlike the double-column, dual-feed magazine insert found on the american thompson smg, the MP 38 and MP 40 used a double-column, single-feed insert. The single-feed insert resulted in increased friction against the remaining cartridges moving upwards towards the feed lips, occasionally resulting in feed failures; this problem was exacerbated by the presence of dirt or other debris.Another problem was that the magazine was also sometimes misused as a handhold. This could cause the weapon to malfunction when hand pressure on the magazine body caused the magazine lips to move out of the line of feed, since the magazine well did not keep the magazine firmly locked. German soldiers were trained to grasp either the handhold on the underside of the weapon or the magazine housing with the supporting hand to avoid feed malfunctions.

BATTLEFIELD PERFORMANCE :
The MP40 served throughout WW2 as the standard service sub-machine gun of the german army.Around 1.1 million were manufactured and it was seen in action on all theatres-from the deserts of africa to the snows of russia.
The combination of portability, firepower and reliability offered by the MP 40 endeared the weapon to its users and
impressed those who faced it at close quarters.It was compact and very easily handled,compared to many SMGs the MP 40 was quite accurate. The 9mm Parabellum has very low recoil characteristics,particularly when fired from a gun that weighed 4kg, so the levels of recoil were manageable.Originally the MP38 was to be issued to armoured troops and paratroopers(many armies like the british considered smg's 'gangster weapons')but battlefield experience increased demand greatly.The MP series sub-machine guns were issued to company and platoon commanders, and to at least one member of each section, in all infantry units; to tank and vehicle crews; to parachute troops; and, as a special-purpose weapon. A typical World War II German infantry company was issued 16 SMGs, 78 rifles and 12 LMGs.They were excellent for assault,urban,guerilla and close quarter combat.

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The distribution of MP40s in the german army would change after the invasion of the soviet union.Compared to the french and british who had very few sub-machine guns in service in 1940,forced the Germans to confront the threat of an army heavily armed with SMGs, particularly once distribution of the PPSh-41 and PPS-43 became very widespread from 1942 and 1943. German forces were stunned at the massive volumes of firepower the Soviets could generate during infantry engagements, not least because the ubiquitous PPSh-41 had a 900rds/min rate of fire.

This experience informed a significant change in German divisional organization in October 1943, which had an impact on the squad composition. The ten-man squad was reduced to nine men, but the weapons carried by the squad were six rifles, two SMGs, a machine gun and a pistol. In late 1944 and 1945, the movement towards automatic weapons at the squad level intensified further. One advantage of SMGs is that they take less time to train someone in their effective use when compared to a bolt-action rifle.Furthermore, the battles were pushing through the major cities of Western and Eastern Europe, and the SMG was king in the close-range urban duel .Towards the end the germans copied the soviet practice of arming whole platoons with SMGs - while purely for short range combat,if they did get within range they could overwhlem an enemy(even better trained) by brute volume of firepower.On the defense,just two or three of the SMGs could make life problematic for an entire attacking platoon of enemy soldiers.
Compared with its counterparts in british and russian service the sten and the ppsh,the MP40 had advantages and disadvantages.Many german soldiers prefered the russian ppsh-41 whenever captured.A PPSh-41 had a far higher rate of fire than the MP 40 (900rds/min as opposed to 500rds/min).PPSh-41s, in their unloaded state, were nearly 0.25kg lighter than an MP40.The PPSH was also more reliable,and much more tolerant to dust and mud,and also had a selector switch between auto and single shot.Only in terms of accuracy and controllability did the MP40 score.However in terms of all important production soviets answered 1.1 million MP40S with 6 million PPSHs.Overall the soviet PPSH proved to be a superior practical weapon.
The british sten in comparison was a crude and ugly weapon.Similar rate of fire,but prone to jamming and misfire.Also less accurate though as reliable.However the simple design enabled a production run of 4 million vs 1.1 million of the MP40.

INFLUENCE & POST-WAR :
The MP40 is one of iconic german weapons of ww2 and in 1940 was a formidable weapon for its french and british adversaries.The evident success of the MP 40 urged the Western Allies to begin work on their own versions of similar inexpensive sheet-metal weapon designs.Several features of the MP40 are visible in post war designs such as the Russian Kalashnikov,Portugese FBP and the Israeli Uzi.Massive amounts of leftover MP40s after ww2 served in militaries of several nations.However even from the late war period the decline of the sub-machine gun had been apparent.The StG 44,the first assault rifle offered fullauto fire, just like the MP 40, but with better range (up to 600m), superior penetration and stopping power. In essence, the assault rifle offered the best of the rifle and SMG in one unit.With the proliferation of assault rifles,particularly the soviet kalashnikov,sub-machine guns in modern times have been limited to police and special forces -the two widepread designs being the israeli uzi and the german MP-5,a worthy succesor to the MP40.

NEXT: LMG 34 - THE MACHINE GUN

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS-V

​

GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUN : MASCHINENGEWEHR 34 or MG34

Origin -
In world war I ,the machine gun emerged as the most effective killer amongst all small arms- with both suppression and slaughter well within its capabilities.The grandfather of all machine guns was the Maxim machine gun - among the standard heavy machine gun designs of WW1,the german MG08,the british Vickers and the russian PM1910 - All three were basically copies or modified versions of the maxim.The maxim derivatives were reliable and with a rate of fire of 300-450 Rounds per minute(RPM),the infantry destroyer par excellence of the day.However The gun weighed 26 kgs and its carriage 32 kgs..mobile transport was highly problematic.One obstacle encountered by great war infantry was the inability to carry forward heavy firepower of the machine guns when an advance was effected and thus the momentum of an attack was stalled and it was also vulnerable to rapid counterattacks.Out of this need the light machine gun concept was born.The british produced the best LMG of world war one in the Lewis gun -12kg in weight and with 550RPM firing rate(though with reliability issues).Germany was late to grasp the concept and settled on a modified MG08 minus the carriage-the MG08/15.While a workable weapon it was still very heavy at 21kgs.Germany ended the war without a true LMG.

(MG08/15)​

Development -
This shortcoming was not unnoticed by the german war planners - a bold idea had been proposed in 1916 itself - not only to build a true Light machine gun,but an universal machine gun - One machine gun capable of fulfilling the role of both HMG and LMG and also be installed on vehicles and fortifications as well as anti-aircraft duty.The idea was revived during the 1920s.The versailles treaty limited germany to 2,000 machine gusn in active service and no further development.Germany's first interwar period Light machine gun was the MG13 ,it introduced a rocking trigger selection fire mechanism between singleshot and auto fire.This gun would eventually be modified for use in german aircraft.
A further development was the emergence of the MG30.Designed by Rheinmetall(German arms company),it couldn't be produced in germany due to treaty limitations,though the german army rejected the design Rheinmetall licensed the gun to austrian and swiss companies which it had bought covertly.This gun entered service with both austria and switzerland.It had the rocking trigger mechanism and a quick barrel change process -both features would be available in the Mg34.A few more experimental prototypes also proved subtle stepping stones to the emergence of the MG34.

(Heinrich Vollmer -A notable german firearms designer)​

'' In 1932 the Reich Ministry ordered several companies, including Rheinmetall, to develop a new Einheitsmaschinengewehr(Universal Machine gun). This new weapon had to be able to fulfill the duties hitherto allocated to the specific classes of weapons known as the Heavy Machinegun, the Light Machinegun, the Armoured Pillbox Machinegun, and Anti-Aircraft Machinegun. The following specifications were set: light weight; simplified operation; quick-change barrel; single-shot capability as well as two [fast and slow] cyclic rates.The development of this weapon set the standard for co-operation in the German armament industry, and the task at hand was completed through the professional guidance of the Weapons Procurement Office. The result, the MG34, wherein Rheinmetall’s Sömmerda plant had a significant influence, reflected the Reichsministry's specifications in all respects.''

It was designed primarily by Heinrich Vollmer from the Mauser Werke Co., based on the recently introduced MG30. Changes to the operating mechanism improved the rate of fire to between 800 and 900 rpm.The gun entered service in 1934 -hence the designation,and continued to be developed.It first saw service in the spanish civil war where it performed superbly.It was designed to replace all existing machine guns in field service -something it would accomplish largely only by the end of 1941.The german army finally had its universal machine gun.

The MG34 is a recoil-operated air-cooled machine gun,generally considered the first true general purpose machine gun in history.It fires the standard 7.92mm Mauser cartridge.The versatile MG 34 was arguably the most advanced machine gun in the world at the time of its deployment.Its combination of exceptional mobility - being light enough to be carried by one man - and high rate of fire (of up to 900 rounds per minute) was unmatched.The MG 34 was the mainstay of German Army support weapons from the time of its first issue in 1935 until 1942, when it was supplanted by the next generation MG42 . Although the 34 was very reliable and dominant on the battlefield, its dissemination throughout the German forces was hampered due to its precision engineering, which resulted in high production costs and a relatively slower rate of production. For its successor, the MG 42, the Germans instead used mass production techniques similar to those that created the MP40.The MG 34 was used as the primary infantry machine gun during the 1930s, and remained as the primary tank and aircraft defensive weapon. It was to be replaced in infantry service by the related Mg42, but there were never enough quantities of the new design to go around, and MG 34s soldiered on in all roles until the end of ww2.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Principle of operation - Short recoil
Caliber - 7.92 mm
Type of feed -
1. Nondisintegrating metallic-link belts, which hold 50 rounds and may be connected together to make longer belts.
2. 75-round double, or saddle-type, drums used in antiaircraft or light ground versions of the gun.
3. 50-round belts contained in a metal drum attached to the feed block of the gun in tank or antiaircraft versions of the gun.
4. Canvas containers holding 100-round belts are also used in tanks.

Weight:
As light machine gun (bipod) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 26 pounds.
As heavy machine gun (tripod) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 68 pounds.

Sights:
Standard sights Rear vertical leaf sight with open V notch, graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters (219 to 2,187 yards). There is a folding peep sight on the rear sight that is used with the antiaircraft ring sight.
Auxiliary The antiaircraft ring sight, kept in the maintenance kit, fits its base on the barrel jacket. When used on the tripod as a heavy machine gun, a telescopic sight is mounted on the tripod. This telescopic sight is graduated up to an effective range of 3,500 meters (3,827 yards).

Muzzle velocity - 2,500 to 3,000 feet per second, depend in on the type of ammunition used.

Range:
Maximum - 5,000 yards (heavy or light).
Effective - 3,827 yards (heavy, with tripod and telescopic sight), 2,000 yards (light).

The above data illustrates the extreme versatility of the MG34 employed as both heavy and light machine gun,the basic gun remained the same in all the different roles.Only the sights/optics and mounts were changed.It was reliable,accurate and had a lethal rate of fire.

WORKING MECHANISM :

The MG 34 fires from an open bolt which improved the airflow through the barrel allowing it to cool faster. The firearm was designed with a rotating bolt operated by short recoil aided by a muzzle booster. When the firearm is ready to fire the bolt is pulled back to the rear and is held back by the sear. With the pull of the trigger the sear disengages sending the bolt forward under pressure from the recoil spring. A cartridge is stripped from the magazine or belt and the round is pushed into the chamber. As the bolt moves forward into battery the bolt rotates engaging the locking lugs and chamber locking the bolt to the barrel. The striker strikes and ignites the primer and the round is fired. The recoil causes the barrel and bolt to move backwards a short distance. The rearward movement of the barrel causes the rotating bolt to rotate back disengaging the locking lugs and unlocking the bolt from the barrel. The barrel returns to its forward position while the bolt recoils to its rear position. The empty casing is ejected and the cycle can begin anew.

​

The MG 34 could use both magazine-fed and belt-fed 7.92 mm ammunition. Belts were supplied in a fixed length of 50 rounds, but could be linked up to make longer belts for sustained firing. A 250 round belt was also issued to machine guns installed in fixed emplacements such as bunkers. Ammunition boxes contained 250 rounds in five belts that were linked to make one continuous 100 round belt and one 150 round belt. The assault drums held a 50-round belt, or a 75-round "double drum" magazine could be used by replacing the top cover with one made specially for that purpose. A gun configured to use the 75-round magazine could not be returned to belt-feed mode without changing the top cover again.

​

The MG 34 came with a standard iron sight consisting of a notched 'V' sight mounted to a post in the rear and a single blade at the front. The sight came calibrated for ranges between 200 meter to 2000 meters in 100 meter increments.
(b) Telescopic sight.—The telescopic sight is used with the tripod mount for aiming the machine gun in either direct or indirect fire.

Cross section of trigger, recoil, and feed mechanism of M.G. 34.A unique feature of the MG34 is the double crescent trigger which allows selective fire between semi-automatic and full-automatic fire.

The wehrmacht manuals recommended barrel change after 250 rounds firing,400 for emergency.Like most machine guns, the MG 34's barrel is designed to be easily replaced to avoid overheating during sustained fire. During a barrel change, the operator would disengage a latch on the left side of the receiver which held the receiver to the barrel sleeve. The entire receiver section could then pivot off to the right on its latitudinal axis, allowing the operator to pull the barrel out the back of the sleeve. A new barrel would then be put in the back of the sleeve, and the receiver rotated back in line with the barrel sleeve and latched. The entire process took just a few seconds when performed by a well-trained operator, causing minimal downtime in battle.

CONTINUED-MG-34...

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS-V(B)

​

MG34 : THE UNIVERSAL MACHINE GUN

''The M.G. 34, machine gun, model 34, is not directly comparable to any U.S. weapon. It can be fired without a mount, or it can be mounted on a bipod for use as a light machine gun,on a tripod for use as a heavy machine gun, and on a special antiaircraft mount or on the standard tripod mount with adapter and special sight for use as an antiaircraft gun, as well as on numerous other types of mounts on tanks and other vehicles. Consequently, this all-purpose gun is the most common German automatic weapon in use by the German armed forces. Every infantry squad,5 and many other types of small German units, can be expected to be armed with the M.G. 34.'' - U.S Army Report.

While the allies used seperate machine guns for heavy and light roles,the mg34 performed both jobs commendably by just switching sights and mounts.

(Using a tripod in heavy/medium machine gun role)​

In the light-machine gun role, it was used with a bipod and weighed only 12.1 kg (26.7 lb). In the medium-machine gun role, it could be mounted on one of two tripods, a smaller one weighing 6.75 kg (14.9 lb), the larger 23.6 kg (52.0 lb). The larger tripod, the MG 34 Lafette, included a number of features, such as a telescopic sight and special sighting equipment forindirect fire. The legs could be extended to allow it to be used in the anti-aircraft role, and when lowered, it could be placed to allow the gun to be fired "remotely" while it swept an arc in front of the mounting with fire, or aimed through a periscope attached to the tripod. Mounted to the Lafette the effective range of the MG 34 could be extended out to 3,500 meters when fired indirectly.

Legs of tripod extended for use as an anti-aircraft weapon.When used with the tripod for range and accuracy and the telescopic sight the MG34 in a heavy role could cut to pieces enemy infantry at very long ranges beyond the ability of rifles to retaliate.Its high rate of fire enabled it to dominate rival machine guns.

​

MG34 employed as top gunner of a panzer.TheMG34 remained in exclusive use for hull mounted mg until the end of the war due to the inabilty of mg42 to perform this role.The top and hull gunners formed the main close quarter anti-infantry firepower of a panzer.

An MG34 using the drum magazine.A bipod is used above.In the field, the weapon could operate in offensive or defensive applications. The offensive model, with a mobile soldier, used a drum magazine that could hold either 50 or 75 rounds of ammunition. In a stationary defensive role, the gun was mounted on a bipod or tripod and fed by an ammunition belt.

Detail of a drum magazine container.Of the 3-man machine gun crew,when using a drum magazine-the ammunition carrier would have 2 or more of these at hand.Or ammo belts could be used.

​

The very light weight of the LMG34 allowed it to be fired from the hip on the assault and formed a key segment of the mobile firepower of a german infantry squad.Each german infantry squad of 10 men had an LMG.A motorized infantry squad(later panzergrenadier) may have 2.Each german infantry battalion heavy weapons had 12 MG34s tripod-mounted in heavy role.

The machine gun could also be fired from the shoulder.This allowed height and range ,plus a relatively stable platform,minus the time consuming process of setting up the tripod(or in case it was absent).

The german army considered the machine gun the centrepiece of its infantry tactics,the main arbriter of an infantry firefight.The rest of the squad would cover the MG's deployment and attack under its withering fire.German tactical understanding emphasized maximum possible rate of fire -this was to maximize kills in the first few seconds of opening fire,when tactical surprise exists and before the enemy hits the ground for cover.This Lethality INdex concept found expression in the MG34's high rate of fire,and would be taken to the extreme in its succesor -the MG42.

COMPARISON :
In1940 the revolutionary MG34 was the best machine gun in the world and it retained its effectiveness as a lethal weapon right till the end of the war.When compared to its rivals the mg34 exceeded all of them in Rate of fire(900 rpm).The british Vickers HMG(450-500 rpm) and Bren LMG(500 rpm),the french FM24/29 LMG(450rpm) & Hotchkiss(450 rpm) were heavily outgunned at half the ROF of the 34.They also had smaller magazines at 25-30rds to the mg34's 50-75 rd magazines.
Comparably the soviet DP LMG(550 rpm) had better rate of fire and a magazine of 30rds -60rds,it however took very long to reload.The soviet maxim HMG at 600 rpm was better but very heavy.The MG34 was lighter ,had nearly double the rate of firepower of its adversaries and was more versatile.What this practically meant was that it was perfectly suited to the german infantry 'fire and movement' tactics.Its mobility allowed it to come into action and reposition swiftly and its heavy firepower allowed it to both suppress enemy infantry and dominate infantry firefights,as the enemy machineguns couldn't match the volume of firepower unleashed by the german machine gun.Though the later mg42 recieves greater accolades(justifiably) ,the mg34 would be germany's machine gun of the blitzkrieg years.The allies nicknamed it Spandau.(as all german machine guns were called)

LIMITATIONS:

(The MG42 and MG34)​

Despite outstanding battlefield performance,it was not a perfect weapon.The complex mechanisms and the production method,which relied principally on expensive machining processes, were not ideal for rapid production under pressure, nor for the best utilization of stretched supplies of raw materials. Furthermore, the MG 34 was not at its best in very dirty environments, of which North Africa and the Eastern Front offered plenty of examples, and was therefore prone to jamming unless kept scrupulously clean.A new gun with rationalized mass-production techniques and a extreme ROF would replace it - the even more terrifying MG42.However it remained the standard vehicle mounted machine gun until the end of the war.Total mg34 production run stood at 450,000 units and it saw service in several post-ww2 conflicts.The universal machine gun concept was widely adopted by many armies.

​

NEXT : LIGHT AND HEAVY MORTARS.

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

Are these long weapon descriptions necessary?Or should i shorten them into 1-2 posts and speed up?Feedback needed.

 

[Lord ZeN]

Are these long weapon descriptions necessary?Or should i shorten them into 1-2 posts and speed up?Feedback needed.

I don't think there is any need for really long descriptions about various weaponry, especially the rifles. It would be better if you stick to the historic analysis.

 

[LeveragedBuyout]

Are these long weapon descriptions necessary?Or should i shorten them into 1-2 posts and speed up?Feedback needed.

I find this ultra-detailed description of the Nazi war machine to be fascinating, and was hoping you would similarly describe the Allied side for comparison (i.e. why these weapons, combined with German tactics and doctrine, played a decisive role vs. the inferior weapons/doctrine of the Allies). This is a level of detail I've never been privy to before, certainly not from documentaries. But if it's too much of a time sink, then of course you should concentrate on the narratives that interest you most. It's your thread, and I am certain I will read and enjoy whatever you write.

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

I find this ultra-detailed description of the Nazi war machine to be fascinating, and was hoping you would similarly describe the Allied side for comparison (i.e. why these weapons, combined with German tactics and doctrine, played a decisive role vs. the inferior weapons/doctrine of the Allies). This is a level of detail I've never been privy to before, certainly not from documentaries. But if it's too much of a time sink, then of course you should concentrate on the narratives that interest you most. It's your thread, and I am certain will read and enjoy whatever you write.

I will do for all sides ofcourse.The reason i am doing this so detailed is because i only have to do it once...this thread will take months ,but once this thread is done on all subsequent ww2 threads i won't have to describe again..i'll just refer to this thread..add any updates for the particular campaign and skip straight to the proceedings.This will do until i have to introduce soviets and usa/japan which again will result in a long thread.Similarly all future napoleonic threads will be quick because armies section is done.Only prussia and britain remaining.
I thought about what to do now on this thread with the weapons ,and i decided that i won't bother with the weapon mechanics -how it works,the technical stuff.I'll get the specifiactions,its advantages and disadvantages vis a vis enemy weapons,doctrine behind the design concept,impact and how it was deployed/used.This will shorten unnecessary detail increasing the pace while keeping the overview interesting.

 

[Koovie]

Are these long weapon descriptions necessary?Or should i shorten them into 1-2 posts and speed up?Feedback needed.

Not really

More interested in the combat doctrines, unit organization and stuff like that

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

GERMAN INFANTRY WEAPONS -VI

​

FIELD MORTARS - 5cm leGrW 36 & 81mm GrW34

Origin -
A mortar is a weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as (mortar) bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories.Huge mortars were in use in the early gunpowder era,for use against stone and earth fortifications as siege weapons.By the napoleonic era however they had fallen into disuse.The modern infantry mortar was born out of the necessities of trench warfare in world war one.The inventor was englishman Wilfred Stokes.The Stokes mortar was a simple weapon, consisting of a metal tube fixed to a base plate (to absorb recoil) with a lightweight bipod mount. When a mortar bomb was dropped into the tube, an impact sensitiveprimer in the base of the bomb would make contact with a firing pin at the base of the tube, and detonate, firing the bomb towards the target.The weapon proved to be extremely useful in the muddy trenches, as a mortar round could be aimed to fall directly into trenches, where artillery shells, due to their low angle of flight, could not possibly go.This design was refined and largely modified to become the standard infantry mortar used worldwide.The mortar gave the infantryman his own private artillery and a quick solution to dealing with a enemy strongpoint.

​

For a period after world war one it seemed the mortar might fade away due to its specialized trench role.However on study of world war one engagements it was observed many advances had been stalled and rendered inconclusive because the infantry outran their artillery support,which was too heavy to go along.Germans tried to remedy the issue by providing light infantry guns .But these where costly and manpower/logistics intensive and could only be provided at the regimental level.From battalion level thus every army equipped itself with much cheaper and simpler mortars.The fast rate of fire of the mortar,which contributed to its usefulness in using gas or smoke rounds was another factor.

LIGHT MORTAR - 5 cm leichter Granatwerfer 36

The german army envisaged mobile operations in the next great war,and a light mortar easily transportable by a single man and able to support squad level operations was deemed useful.adopted for service in 1936. Its intended role was to engage pockets of resistance that were beyond a hand grenade's throwing range.The mortar was employed at a platoon level,each german platoon having one with its crew.It proved popular due to its portability ,but lacked effectiveness.By 1941, the Granatwerfer 36 was seen as too complex for its intended role. It fired too light a shell and had too short of a range. It was used as a platoon mortar and operated by a 3-man team. Production was terminated in 1941. By 1942, it had been gradually withdrawn from front line service. However, it remained in use with second-line and garrison units until the end.

​

SPECIFICATIONS:

Designer- Rheinmetall
Entered Service - 1936.
Crew - 2
Weight- 14 kg (31 lb)
Shell - 0.9 kg (2 lb) TNT filled
Elevation - 42° to 90 °
Traverse- 33° 45'
Rate of Fire - 15-25 rpm
Muzzle Velocity - 75 m/s (246 ft/s)
Effective Firing Range - 50 m (54.7 yd) min
510 m (557.7 yd) max
Maximum Range -520 m (568.7 yd)
Sights -Telescopic, later none

​

Above: Light mortar firing from a mortar pit in defensive role.The small 2 lb round and the inability to mass the mortars into batteries(due to being employed single pieces at platoon level)led to them being partially ineffective.Eventually the german army did away with platoon mortars altogether.

​

The light mortars of the era.The italian brixia was complex and had a even lighter round,but very accurate though with a bad rate of fire(8-10rpm).Distributed 3 per company.The japanese type89/model 10 had high rate of fire(25rpm),cheap and at 5kgs very light,but with a range of only 120m - a fifth of the german one.However it could be used in jungles and was thus a specialized weapon.The british 2 inch was a succesful design,very light at 5 kgs with a comparable shell and range,a bad ROF(8rpm).However crucially it could use both smoke,illuminating as well HE rounds.The smoke rounds used for screening movement were a integral part of british infantry fire and movement tactics.Stayed into service till the 80s.

MEDIUM MORTAR - 81mm Granatwerfer34

​

The standard german medium mortar -the 8 cm Gr34 was a german favorite throughout the war and one of the iconic german weapons of world war 2.Largely derived from a french mortar,Rheinmetall produced a solid ,reliable but highly conventional design.It gained a reputation fro extreme accuracy and high rate of fire.Germany employed 81mm mortars at the battalion level (6 per heavy weapons company).They could either be parcelled out 2 mortars per company or made into a single/double battery for concentrated fire effect.The mortars proved so crucial to german success at lower level that after the 1943 reorganization,the german heavy weapons company had 10 instead of 6 mortars.6 81 mm and 4 of the 120mm Gr42.

​

The weapon's design was conventional and it broke down into three loads (smooth bore barrel, bipod, baseplate) for transport.the arsenal of the Gr34 included HE shells,smoke,illumination rounds as well as a bouncing round.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Weight - 62 kg (136.6 lbs)
Shell 3.5 kg (7 lb)
Elevation - 45° to 90°
Traverse - 10° to 23°
Rate of Fire - 15-25 rpm.
Muzzle velocity174 m/s (571 ft/s)
Maximum firing range 2,400 m (2,624 yds)

​

The Gr34 made life hell for the allied troops at normandy and earned an enduring reputation in line with the fearsome 88 mm,the Mg42,the S-mine and the Tiger tank.Among allied front-line soldiers this mortar was dreaded for its accuracy and rate of fire. Captured 34s were eagerly employed against the Germans.Yet there was nothing outstanding about the design,which was reliable,solid and conventional.The mortar's reputation had little to do with innovation. Its high status was primarily the result of through training of German mortar crews -the german trained their mortar crews twice as long as the western allies and perhaps 3-4 times than the soviet . They were experts at their craft. German mortar crews always seemed to possess the ability to engage in and out of action rapidly. They paid careful attention to pre-registration and other fire control aids. The enterprising German veteran mortar crews were able to bring fire down rapidly on their adversary.

​

Overall the 81 mm and its crew was a highly respected adversary on all fronts.Excellent co-operation and trained mortar crews was the key.The german machine guns with their high rate of fire could pin down enemy troops and these in turn were vulnerable to bombardment.A small battery of just 4 mortars as a quick reaction force could setup,and un the hands of trained crews saturate a target area with 80-100 shells within a minute for a devastating barrage that would shatter the enemy infantry advance.Illuminating rounds were useful for night fighting and smoke in offensive screening of german infantry.A mobile haltrack version was developed.

NEXT: ANTI-TANK WEAPONRY