German Explosives
B-Stabmine (Concealed Stickmine) (A/P)
Length: 10 inches
Diameter/Width: 6 inches
Depth: 3 and 1/2 inches
Material: Wood
Pull or Pressure required: 9 to 13 pounds
Color: Camouflage Brown
Description: The body of the mine consists of a wooden box containing the explosive charge. The initiating stick is fixed in a wooden block which is wedged into a base raised on supports above the cover of the box. In the base of the wooden block is a metal hook to which is attached a wire, the other end being secured to the eye of the pull igniter Z.Z. 35. The pull igniter is held in a metal clamp in the cover of the box.
Operation: Movement of the stick pulls the wire and thereby fires the igniter and the charge.
Employment: Used in tall grass and on beaches.
Stockmine (A/P)
Length: 22 inches (Approx.) (Including picket)
Diameter/Width: 2.8 inches
Total Weight: 4.6 pounds (mine only)
Explosive: Borhpatrone 28
Explosive Weight: 100 grams
Material: Concrete (Shrapnel-filled) - wooden picket
Pull or Pressure required: 6 to 11 pounds
Description: The mine itself consists of a concrete cylinder which is made of weak cement and mortar. This cement holds pieces of shrapnel. Inside the concrete cylinder is the explosive charge. In the mines found in North Africa, this charge was Bohrpatrone 28, an explosive which is designed for use in tropics. However, this cavity may be filled with ordinary commercial cartridges. An igniter, fitted with a detonator, fits into the recess in the top of the mine. The mine is mounted on a wooden picket about 1 foot 4 inches long, driven into the ground.
Operation: Actuation of the igniter fires the detonator which in turn fires the explosive charge. The firing of the mine causes a belt of shrapnel to be thrown out in all directions and the concrete is reduced to dust. The effective radius is approximately 30 yards.
Employment: Stock mines usually are laid in depth on narrow tracks and in ravines and defiles. They can also be laid in staggered rows to form mine belts.
Concrete Ball Mine (A/P)
Diameter/Width: 10 inches
Total Weight: 2.2 pounds
Material: Concrete
Color: Gray
Description: The spherical shaped body of the mine consists of concrete with embedded shrapnel used as an aggregate. A central cavity is provided for insertion of the explosive charge which may be either two 500-gram charges and a 200-gram charge or only one 500-gram charge may be used with the 200-gram charge so that the igniter assembly is countersunk into the mine.
Operation: The igniter may be pulled by hand, initiating the safety which in turn, fires the detonator and charge. In such a case, the mine may be rolled down a hill or cliff into enemy troops. It is possible to peg the igniter to a stake below the bomb in such a way that, if an attempt is made to remove the mine, the igniter will be actuated.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 7)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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