German Explosives
S-Mine 35 (A/P)
Diameter/Width: 4 inches
Depth (w/o fuze): 5 inches
Total Weight: 9 pounds
Explosive: TNT (or Amatol)
Explosive Weight: 6 and 1/2 pounds
Material: Steel
Pull or Pressure required: 9 to 13 pounds
Color: Normally brown with greenish tinge
Description: The S-Mine resembles a tin can in size and shape and was originally referred to as the "Fruit Tin" mine by the British. It consists of an outer steel case and an inner canister which contains approximately 350 steel balls. A central steel tube running axially through the mine receives the igniter at its upper end and acts as a flash channel. A 4 and 1/2-second delay fitting is threaded into the bottom of this tube. A gun powder ejection charge is located beneath the inner canister. Three detonator tubes are space radially around the inner canister, 120 degrees apart. A short delay element is fitted into the bottom of each of these detonator tubes. The space between the detonator tubes is filled with explosive, either TNT or amatol.
There were various modifications in the early production models of the S-Mine, including detonator tubes made of compressed paper, minor technical differences, and use of irregular pieces of metal for shrapnel instead of steel balls.
Operation: The mine may be operated by pressure or by pull. If it is to be operated by pressure, a standard pressure igniter, type S.Mi.Z. 35 is screwed into the top of the tube. If the mines are to be operated by pull, a Y-connection is screwed into the top of the tube and two standard igniters of the Type Z.Z. 35 or Z.U.Z.Z. 35 are screwed into the branches of the Y. Z.Z. 42 and electrical igniter E.S.Mi.Z. 40 also can be used. In either case, when an igniter s fired, the flame produced ignites the 4 and 1/2-second delay powder of the tube which in turn ignites the powder charge. The powder charge then explodes forcing the mine proper out of the canister and into the air. At the same time the explosion of the powder charge ignites the delay powder tubes. The delay in these tubes is long enough to permit the mine to rise 3 to 5 feet into the air before the detonators in the tubes are ignited. The detonators then explode the charge and the steel balls are dispersed in all directions. The effective range of these balls is between 150 and 200 yards.
Employment: When used as a pull-operated mine, it is laid in a cylindrical hole and held in place by four stakes. Trip wires are attached to the igniters and stretched out in opposite directions. The wires are run 4 inches above the ground and pass through eye screws fixed to the top of wooden stakes. The recommended length for the trip wires is 21 yards with the supporting stakes at 7 yard intervals.
Remarks: Various anti-lifting devices are employed with the mine.
"Eismine" 42, Flascheneismine (Fl. Eis. Mi.) (A/P)
Length: 10.5 inches
Diameter/Width: 4 inches (maximum)
Total Weight: 5 pounds 10 ounces
Explosive: Gelatin-Donarit
Explosive Weight: 4 pounds
Material: Glass
Pull or Pressure required: Varies with igniter
Color: Clear
Description: The mine consists of a thick glass bottle resembling a quart milk bottle. In some models there is a booster charge of penthrite wax in the neck. There is a wooden plug with a conical recess and a central hole located at the top of the bottle neck. The Fl. Es. Mi. Z. igniter, with detonator crimped on, fits into this hole with the detonator extending down into a hole in the booster. An aluminum cap screws onto the top of the bottle over the igniter, with the igniter striker being just below the cap. When in place the cap is waterproofed with a sealing compound and over this fits a rubber cap to assure complete waterproofing.
Operation: Sufficient pressure on the igniter causes detonation of the mine.
Employment: The original German theory for the use of these mines was that they should be suspended on 6-foot lengths of wire below the surface in ice-covered rivers. The mines were placed 16 feet apart and at intervals mines were set to be ignited by electric detonation. The explosion of one mine would set up a sympathetic detonation which would explode those in the adjacent area.
The mines were later used for A/P ground mines, employing the Fl. Es. Mi. Z. igniter and adapted for use with other pressure type igniters.
Remarks: The mine is set in concrete to serve as an A/P land mine.
"Pot" Mine or "Mustard Pot" Mine - Beheles-Schutzen Mine (A/P)
Diameter/Width: 3 inches
Depth (w/ igniter): 3.5 inches
Total Weight: 12.5 pounds
Explosive: Powdered picric acid
Explosive Weight: 4 ounces
Material: Steel
Pull or Pressure required: 35 pounds
Color: Mustard brown
Description: The mine consists of a cylindrical body and a crush igniter, screwed into the top of the body by means of an adapter. The body, which is of pressed steel, contains the explosive filling of approximately 4 ounces of powdered picric acid, and carries the top plate which is fixed by means of a rolled, overlapping flange 0.2 inch thick.
In the center, the top plate bears a screw thread into which is screwed an adapter which takes the igniter. The adapters found in different specimens are of different materials, such as brass and plastic in various colors, suggesting local manufacture of not very high standard.
Operation: A moderate pressure on the top of the igniter crushes the metal drum and the glass ampoule inside it. The acid pours into the white powder and a flash results from their chemical interaction, setting off the detonator, and in turn, the mine.
Remarks: This mine was manufactured for the Germans by the French. There are other variations of this mine which embody minor manufacturing differences.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 9)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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