German Projectiles - 100mm+ Mortar Rounds and Rockets

German Projectiles

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 100mm

German Designation: 10cm Wgr. 37 (Werfergranate 37)

Employment: 10cm Nb W 35

Dimensions

Overall length of body (projectile): 17.12 inches

Diameter of bourrelet: 4.09 inches
Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 3.125 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 16 pounds

Markings: Painted grey green

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 38

Remarks: Information is from captured documents

Smoke Mortar Projectile, 100mm

No picture available

German Designation: 10cm Wgr. 35 Nb St (Werfgranate 35 Nebel Stahl)

Employment: 10cm Nb W 35

Dimensions
Overall length (projectile): 25.98 inches

Total weight (projectile): 16 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. 238

Remarks: Another round "10cm Wgr. 35 Nb TE" exists.  Information is from captured documents.

H.E. Mortar Projectile (Russian Origin), 120mm

German Designation: 12cm Wgr. 378/1, 2 or 3 (r) (Werfergranate 378/1, 2, or 3 (r))

Employment: 12cm Russian Mortar

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 30 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 23.5 inches

Diameter of bourrelet: 4.719 inches
Width of bourrelet: 1.594 inches
Diameter of base of body: 1.562 inches
Total weight (projectile): 36 pounds

Number of fins: 12

Fuze: AZ 399 (r)

Remarks: A smoke shell exists.

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 200mm

German Designation: 20cm Wgr. 40 (Werfergranate 40)

Employment: 20cm L. Ladinswerfer

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 30.86 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 13 inches

Diameter of body: 7.5 inches
Diameter of fins: 10.63 inches
Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 16.94 pounds
Total weight: 49.94 pounds

Number of fins: 6

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 36

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 380mm

German Designation: 38cm Wgr. 40 (Werfergranate 40)

Employment: 38cm s. Ladingswerfer

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 59.21 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 24.606 inches

Maximum diameter of body: 14.96 inches
Diameter of fins: 21.18 inches
Weight of bursting charge: 110 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 327.8 pounds

Number of fins: 6

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 36

Remarks: A smoke bomb exists with the designation "38cm Wgr. 40 Nb."

Rocket Propaganda Leaflet, 73mm

German Designation: 7.3cm Propaganda-granate 41

Employment: Propaganda Gesduits 41

Dimensions

Overall length of body (projectile): 16.1 inches

Weight of propellant: 1 pound
Type of bursting charge: Propaganda leaflets expelled by ejector C charge in flight.
Total weight (projectile): 7.2 pounds
Total weight of body: 4.5 pounds

Fuze: Time (Air burst) - Black powder train burns from propellant to black powder expeller charge.

Remarks: Consists of five parts -

1. Plastic ballistic cap 2-3/16" long which is tightly fit into;

2. A steel leaflet holder containing a 'safety pin' type spring in a split steel cylinder which it forces apart after the plastic and cardboard bore of the holder has been blown out the forward end, pushing the other parts before it, by the black powder charge in;

3. The brass base time fuze which threads;

4. Into the steel motor tube male-threaded into;

5. The base containing multiple venturis in two concentric annular rings.  Venturis in center ring vent in line of propulsion, those in outer ring have rotating inclination.

H.E. Hollow Charge Bazooka Rocket 88mm

German Designation: 8.8cm R. Pz. B. Gr.

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 25.25 inches
Diameter of body: 3.5 inches
Diameter of tail: 3.4 inches
Length of fuze housing: 6.125 inches
Type of propellant: Digl. R.P.

Total weight (projectile): 7.25 pounds

Fuze: Nose Percussion AZ 50955

Remarks: Electric ignition similar to American launcher M1 and rocket H.E. A.T. 2.36" M6A1.  Rocket and launcher of heavier weight than American counterpart.  Generates own electricity, no battery.

Smoke Rocket, 150mm

No picture available

German Designation: 15cm Wurfgranate 41 w Rn Nebel

Employment: 6 tube Neberlwerfer 41
                15cm Do-Geraet 38
                    15cm Panzerwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 36.43 inches
Length of body: 17 inches
Diameter of body: 4.8 inches
Maximum diameter: 6.2 inches
Weight of body: 23.5 pounds
Type of propellant: 7 sticks uni-perforated
 Weight of propellant: 14 pounds

Type of bursting charge: 30/70 Pumice.Sulphur Tri-oxide, picric burster
Weight of bursting charge: 8.5 pounds + 3.05 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 78 pounds

Fuze: Base graze fuze - DOV Zldg C/98 Np.  Electric Fuze.

Remarks: Range - 8,620 yards.  Shell at rear of rocket container.

Propellant vents through central venturi block.  26 Venturi in annular ring of assembly which forms attachment between Body Tube and Burster Container.  Can be filled with other chemicals.

H.E. Rocket, 150mm

German Designation: 15cm Wurfkoerper 41 Apreng

Employment: 6 tube Neberlwerfer 41
                15cm Do-Geraet 38
                    15cm Panzerwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 36.4 inches
Length of body: 12.5 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 4.8 inches
Maximum diameter: 6.2 inches
Weight of body: 22.5 pounds
Type of propellant: DGN
 Weight of propellant: 14 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 4.5 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 77 pounds

Fuze: Base graze fuze - DOV.   Electric Fuze - Erz 39.

Remarks: Range - 8,620 yards.  Shell at rear of rocket container.

Propellant vents through central venturi block.  26 Venturi inclined at 140.  7 Uni-perforated sticks of propellant.

H.E. Rocket, 210mm

German Designation: 21cm Wurfkoerper 42 Spreng

Employment: 21cm Nebelwerfer

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 48.2 inches
Length of body: 15.8 inches
Diameter of body: 21.3 inches
Diameter of base: 8.38 inches
Weight of body: 90 pounds
Type of propellant: 7 Tubular sticks mounted on grid
 Weight of propellant: 40.25 pounds

Type of bursting charge: Amatol 40/60
Weight of bursting charge: 21.5 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 245 pounds

Fuze: z 23 LA 0.15
PD w/instantaneous or delay setting
Hbgr Z 35K. Mech. Time fuze S/30 (Used on aircraft)

Markings: Painted Olive Green

Remarks: Range - 9,950 yards.  Nose fuze underneath ballistic cap

Venturi tubes offset 16 degrees, 22 in annular ring in base.

H.E. Rocket, 280mm

German Designation: 28cm Wurfkoerper Spreng

Employment: 28/32 Nebelwerfer 41

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 47.6 inches
Length of body: 28.34 inches
Length of tail: 18.5 inches
Diameter of body: 10.75 inches
Weight of body: 133.5 pounds
Type of propellant: Singular stick supported on circular grid
 Weight of propellant: 14.5 pounds

Type of bursting charge: Amatol
Weight of bursting charge: 79 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 183 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,080 yards.

26 Jets in annular ring.  In tropical round the venturis are sealed over by a soldered-on, flat, tinned iron ring which blows off on ignition; rotating inclination 14 degrees.

H.E. Rocket, 300mm

German Designation: 30cm Wurfkoerper Spreng

Employment: 30 Nebelwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 46.5 inches

Total weight (projectile): 275 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,440 yards.

Incendiary Rocket, 320mm

German Designation: 32cm Wurfkoerper mit Flamme

Employment: 28/32 Nebelwerfer 41

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 49.2 inches
Length of body: 32.67 inches
Length of tail: 18.11 inches
Diameter of body: 13.18 inches
Weight of body: 124.5 pounds

Total weight (projectile): 173.41 pounds

Weight and type of bursting charge:
-11 gallons filling (Gas and Oil) - 87.69 pounds
-PETN blocks - 0.39 pounds

Type of propellant: One stick, six celluloid tubes in slottings around its circumference, one containing quick match with G.P. pellet at each end in central hole.
 Weight of propellant: 14.24 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,430 yards.

Single multi-perforated stick of propellant.  26 Venturi in annular ring at base, rotating inclination of 14 degrees.

Next Time: German Explosives or American Explosives/Projectiles

German Projectiles - 152mm to 210mm Projectiles

German Projectiles

H.E. Projectile of Russian Origin, 152mm

No picture available

German Designation: 15cm Sprgr. 436 (Sprenggranate 436 (russ))

Employment: 15.2cm Kan. F.L. 33/1 (r)
      15.2cm russ 37

Dimensions

Overall length w/o fuze (projectile): 25.5 inches
Width of rotating band: 0.826 inches
Distance from base to band: 3.622 inches

Diameter of base: 4.921 inches
Distance from base to shoulder: 12.51 inches

Diameter of fuze hole: 1.574 inches

No tracer

Fuze: Unknown

Markings: Painted green, unpainted band at shoulder and above rotating band

Remarks: This projectile has a streamlined base.  There is an ogive adapter attached 4.251 inches from fuze hole.

H.E. Projectile Type L/4.7 with Nose Fuze and Ballistic Cap, 170mm

No picture available

German Designation: 17cm Sprgr. L/4.7 Kpf.Z. (m. Haube)
                                                                (Sprenggranate Ladun/4.7 Kopfzunder (mit Haube))

Employment: 17cm Kan. (E)

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 31.496 inches

Total weight (projectile): 138 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT in cardboard container

No tracer

Weight of propellant: 52 pounds
Type of propellant: RPC/32

Fuze: Time and Percussion fuze E. (m. Haube) M. Dopp. Z. s/90

Remarks: This projectile has a streamlined base.  The fuze is inserted under the ballistic cap.
Information is from captured documents.

H.E. Projectile, Type 39, 170mm

German Designation: 17cm K. Gr. 39 (Kanone Granate 39)

Employment: 17cm K. i. Mrs. Laf.

Dimensions

Overall length w/o fuze (projectile): 29.172 inches
Distance from base to band: 3.35 inches
Width of bimetallic rotating bands: 1.023 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 6.771 inches
Diameter of base: 5.984 inches

Total weight (projectile): 150 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT

Tracer is present

Overall length (cartridge case): 29.562 inches

Diameter at case neck: 7.5 inches
Diameter at case base: 8.5 inches
Type of propellant: Tubular Diglycol
Weight of propellant: 64 pounds

Fuze: Nose percussion fuze AZ35 K; or
Time and percussion fuze Dopp. Z. s/90 K

Packaging: One projectile in a wicker basket - 156.8 pounds

Remarks: Projectile has a streamlined base, and adapter in base for tracer.  After firing, the rotating band will bear 48 engravings.

H.E. Projectile, Type 38, with Ballistic Cap, 170mm

German Designation: 17cm K. Gr. 38 (Hb) (Kanone Granate 38 (Haube)

Employment: 17cm K. i. Mrs. Laf.

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 54.622 inches

Overall length w/o fuze (projectile): 30.983 inches
Width of bimetallic rotating bands: 1.023 inches

Diameter of bourrelet: 6.967 inches

Diameter of base: 5.984 inches
Weight of bursting charge: 15.37 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 138 pounds

Type of Bursting Charge: TNT in cardboard container cemented in projectile.
Smoke box present.

Tracer is present

Overall length (cartridge case): 28.56 inches

Diameter at case mouth: 7.5 inches

Diameter at case base: 8.5 inches
Type of propellant: Tubular Diglycol

Fuze: Nose percussion fuze Hbgr. Z. 35 K; or
Time and percussion fuze Dopp. Z. s/90 K

Markings: Painted green


Packaging: One projectile in a wicker basket - 145.2 pounds

Remarks: Fuze is under ballistic cap.  Projectile has streamlined base.  After firing, rotating band will bear 48 engravings.

H.E. Projectile Type L/4.7 with Nose Fuze and Ballistic Cap, 203mm

No picture available

German Designation: 20.3cm Sprgr. L/4.7 Kpf.Z. (m. Haube)
                                                         (Sprenggranate Ladung Kopfzunder (mit Haube))

Employment: 20cm Kan (E)

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 37.519 inches
Weight of bursting charge: 26.84 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT in cardboard container

No tracer

Weight of propellant: 61.6 pounds
Type of propellant: RPC/32

Fuze: Time and Percussion fuze Kz C/27 Lm., St. or Ms.

Packaging: One projectile in a wicker basket - 286 pounds


Remarks: There is also a round designated: "20.3cm Sprgr. L/4.7m Bd. Z. m. Haube", which is identical except that this type is also fitted with base fuze Bd. Z. C/38. 

H.E. Projectile, Type 17, 210mm

No picture available

German Designation: 21cm Gr. 17 (Granate 17)

Employment: lg. 21cm Mrs. 18

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 31.614 inches

Diameter of base: 8.267 inches

Total weight (projectile): 264 pounds

No tracer

Fuze: Base detonating fuze K. Bd. Z. 10 or 10+

 Remarks: There is also a round designated: "21cm Gr. 17 umg" which is identical except that the base fuze employed is Bd. Z. f. 15cm Gr. 19 Be.

Information is from captured documents.

H.E. Projectile, Type 18, 210mm

German Designation: 21cm Granate 18

Employment: 21cm Mrs. 18

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 46.084 inches

Overall length (projectile): 34.565 inches
Distance from base to band: 4.606 inches
Width of rotating bands: 0.590 inches
Diameter of base: 7.480 inches

Total weight (projectile): 249 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT
No tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 16.125 inches
Diameter of case neck: 8.75 inches
Diameter of case base: 9.5 inches
Type of propellant: Diglycol
Weight of propellant: 34.4 pounds

Fuze: Nose Percussion fuze AZ 23 umg or possibly Time and Percussion fuze

Markings: Painted green

Packaging: One to a wicker basket

 Remarks: There is also a cast steel projectile of the same dimensions designated: "21cm Gr. 18 Stg."

Anti-Concrete Projectile, Type 18, 210mm

German Designation: 21cm Gr. 18 Be (Granate 18 Beton)

Employment: 21cm Mrs. 18
                            lg. 21cm Mrs. 18

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 36.534 inches
Distance from base to band: 4.606 inches
Width of rotating bands: 0.590 inches
Diameter of base: 7.480 inches
Weight of bursting charge: 25.6 pounds

Total weight (projectile): 268 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT
No tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 16.125 inches
Diameter of case neck: 8.75 inches
Diameter of case base: 9.5 inches
Type of propellant: Diglycol
Weight of propellant: 31 pounds

Fuze: Base Detonating fuze Bd. Z. f. 21cm

Markings: Painted green.

Packaging: One to a wicker basket

Remarks: Projectile has streamlined base, ballistic cap.

Next Time: 240mm to 280mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance - 210mm to 420mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

210mm HE

Guns used in: 210/8mm Field Gun and 210/22mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M17

Overall length (w/ fuze): 730.3 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 712 mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 25 mm
Width of band: 25 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 209.3 mm
Type of filling: TNT or MAT or MBT
Weight of filling: 14.125 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 100.5 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38








210mm HE (Cast Steel)

Guns used in: 210/8mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M17

Overall length: 735 mm
Diameter at base: 200 mm
Distance base to band: 14.5 mm
Width of band: 25 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 209.3 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 11 kg to 14.7 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 100 kg to 103.6 kg

  

210mm HE (Bomba)

Guns used in: 210/8mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze (Guerritore I.M35 or I.M38)
Overall length (w/o fuze): 776 mm
Diameter at base: 208 mm
Distance base to band: 107.5 mm
Width of band: 25 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 209.5 mm
Type of filling: MST
Weight of filling: 21 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 60.5 kilograms

Remarks: The projectile has a very unusual round base








210/22mm HE M35

Guns used in: 210/22mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze (Guerritore V.M38)

Overall length (w/ fuze): 851.2 mm
Overall length (w/o fuze): 820.2 mm
Diameter at base: 185 mm
Distance base to band: 102.5 mm
Width of band: 30 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 209.4 mm
Type of filling: Amatol
Weight of filling: 18.59 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 101.133 kilograms









260/9mm HE

Guns used in: 260/9mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M17

Overall length (w/ nose plug): 953 mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 73 mm
Width of band: 34 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 25.94 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 219.1 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38








260/9mm HE (Cast Steel)

Guns used in: 260/9mm Field Gun
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M17

Overall length: 953 mm
Diameter at base: 256 mm
Distance base to band: 73 mm
Width of band: 34 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 19.89 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 222.7 kilograms
Booster Used: No.4 M38

305mm HE (Short)

Guns used in: 305/8mm Field Howitzer
Fuzing: Base Fuze M09

Overall length: 946 mm
Diameter at base: 203 mm
Distance base to band: 24 mm
Width of band: 57.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 304.4 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 32 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 287 kilograms

Remarks: The projectile is similar to 305mm HE (Long)








305mm HE (Long)

Guns used in: 305/8mm Field Howitzer
Fuzing: Base Fuze M09

Overall length: 1130 mm
Diameter at base: 303 mm
Distance base to band: 24 mm
Width of band: 57.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 304.4 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 34.33 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 380 kilograms

  

305mm HE (Long and Short Light Case)

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Base Fuze M14 for 305/17

Overall length (short): 1148 mm
Overall length (long): 1183 mm
Diameter at base: 302.2 mm
Distance base to band: 56 mm
Width of band: 50.8 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 303.5 mm
Type of filling: TNT

Weight of filling:
-Short: 33.6 kilograms
-Long: 38.32 kilograms

Weight of loaded projectile:
-Short: 348 kilograms
-Long: 350 kilograms









305mm HE (British Short and Long)

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer

Fuzing:
-Short: British Nose Fuze No.101E
-Long: British Nose Fuze 450A or Italian M17

Overall length w/o fuze (short): 975.5 mm
Overall length w/o fuze (long): 1075.5 mm
Diameter at base: 301.3 mm
Distance base to band: 51 mm
Width of band: 76 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown
Type of filling: Probably TNT

Weight of filling:
-Short: 31.4 kilograms
-Long: 45 kilograms

Weight of loaded projectile:
-Short: 340.69 kilograms
-Long: 340.5 kilograms









305/17mm HE

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Nose - Unknown

Overall length (w/ plug): 1151 mm
Diameter at base: 302.2 mm
Distance base to band: 55 mm
Width of band: 51.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 303.8 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 43.1 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 348 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38








305/17mm HE (Heavy)

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Base Fuze M14 for 305/17

Overall length: 1175 mm
Diameter at base: 302.2 mm
Distance base to band: 55 mm
Width of band: 51.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 303.8 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 19.145 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 441 kilograms

305/17mm HE (Cast Steel)

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Nose - Unknown

Overall length (w/o fuze): 1023.6 mm
Diameter at base: 302.4 mm
Distance base to band: 55 mm
Width of band: 51.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 303.8 mm
Type of filling: MST
Weight of filling: 33.49 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 328.5 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38

305/17mm HE (One Piece)

Guns used in: 305/17mm Howitzer
Fuzing: Nose Percussion Fuze M17

Overall length (w/o fuze): 1130 mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 177 mm
Width of band: 51.8 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 303.52 mm
Type of filling: MST
Weight of filling: 46.125 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 259 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38

Remarks: The projectile is of one-piece construction










380/15mm HE (Base Fuzed)

Guns used in: 380/15mm Heavy Howitzer
Fuzing: Base Fuze M16

Overall length: 1402 mm
Diameter at base: 378 mm
Distance base to 1st band: 25 mm
Distance base to 2nd band: 65 mm (approx.)
Width of 1st band: 33.6 mm
Width of 2nd band: 32.5 mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 379 mm
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 71.49 kilograms
Weight of loaded projectile: 750 kilograms
Booster used: No.4 M38








420mm HE (Short and Long)

Guns used in: 420/12mm Heavy Howitzer
Fuzing: Base - Unknown

Overall length (short): 1375 mm
Overall length (long): 1554 mm
Diameter at base: 485.9 mm
Distance base to 1st band: 25 mm
Distance base to 2nd band: 70 mm
Width of 1st band: 25 mm
Width of 2nd band: 40.5 mm
Type of filling: TNT


Diameter at bourrelet:
-Short: 418.8 mm
-Long: 418.7 mm

Weight of filling:
-Short: 75 kilograms
-Long: 90 kilograms

Weight of loaded projectile:
-Short: 800 kilograms
-Long: 1000 kilograms

240mm and 400mm (Bomba)

Guns used in: 240mm Mortar and 400mm Mortar

Fuzing:
-240mm: French type M35 I.T. or Nose Fuze M17 or I.M38
-400mm: French type M15 I.T.


Overall length (w/ fuze):
-240mm: 965 mm
-400mm: 1700 mm

 Length of body: 672 mm
Body diameter: 240mm
Type of filling: TNT or Amatol
Weight of filling: Unknown

Total weight:
-240mm: 65.5 kilograms
-400mm: 265 kilograms

Booster used: No.4 M38

Remarks: These mortar bombs are very similar to aircraft bombs.

Next Time: Italian Cartridge Cases