Mortars in World War II

Mortars in World War II PDF Author: John Norris
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1473879205
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 208

Book Description
Mortars were used throughout the Second World War by all armies and in all theatres. Although a very simple weapon they could greatly enhance the firepower of infantry formations, giving them their own mobile artillery arm. They repeatedly proved their worth in both offensive and defensive situations, breaking up or supporting infantry attacks and laying smoke or illumination rounds. Despite their ubiquity and effectiveness, there have been relatively few works devoted to these important and versatile weapons. John Norris give a brief history of the origins of the weapon and its use in the Great War before moving on to look in detail at the many types developed and used in the Second World War. The design and development of various types and their various munitions (HE, smoke and illumination) are discussed, including those incorporated into fixed defensive systems such as the Atlantic Wall, specialist variants developed for airborne units and those mounted on vehicles to provide mobile fire support. The tactics developed for their use and the structure of the support companies formed to utilize them are also examined in detail. And of course their combat history in the many theatres is outlined, using examples drawing on first-hand accounts of those that used them. This book is sure to be of great value to enthusiasts who collect mortars and their ammunition, re-enactors, modellers and wargamers as well as those readers interested in the history of weapons generally or those of World War II in particular.

Infantry Mortars of World War II

Infantry Mortars of World War II PDF Author: John Norris
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841764146
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
The mortar has proved to be one of the most influential and prevalent infantry support weapons of the 20th century. Throughout the course of World War II many different varieties of this weapon were used by the six main armies of the war: Britain, the USA, the Soviet Union, Germany Italy and Japan. Although the concept of the mortar was similar throughout these armies, calibres and usage varied enormously, dependent upon tactical use and terrain. This title covers all variants from the British 3-in.-equipped 'Heavy Weapon Companies', through to the Soviet12cm mortars, which were incorporated into the Tank Corps for the storming of Berlin in 1945.

Unit History of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II

Unit History of the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II PDF Author: Walt Cross
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 0985099682
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 290

Book Description
This is the unit history of the 81st Mortar Battalion in World War II. Although edited and annotated for clarity it is essentially the same unit history issued to the men of the unit at the end of the war.

Infantry Mortars 1915 - 1945

Infantry Mortars 1915 - 1945 PDF Author: Padraic Kennedy
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781724668479
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 130

Book Description
This book is about the development of the modern infantry mortar, from its origin during the First World War, through its evolution during the inter-war years, to its acceptance as an indispensable support weapon for infantry during the Second World War. The mortar is defined as a piece of ordnance that fires its projectile at angles between 45 degrees and 90 degrees of elevation. They are indirect fire weapons with either smooth bore or rifled barrels and can vary from simple tube weapons to complex artillery pieces. Medium mortars are classified here as mortars ranging in calibre from 81mm up to 82mm. This work focuses on the best known medium mortars within the stipulated time-frame. The requirements of trench warfare during the First World War led to the British development of the Stokes Three inch mortar, which then became the prototype for the infantry support mortar. Currently, and since at least the end of WW2, mortars have usually been defined by their calibre into light, medium or heavy types. The British Army adopted the Stokes Three inch mortar in 1916, and this mortar calibre of a nominal 81mm was the origin for the medium mortar. The concept of close support for infantry began to evolve during WW1. The mortar proved to be a simple and practical way of achieving this and a lot of armies began to equip their infantry with what later became known as infantry mortars. The 81mm nominal calibre of the Stokes mortar was generally adopted by most armies as a suitable calibre for this weapon.

Infantry Weapons of World War II

Infantry Weapons of World War II PDF Author: Jan Suermondt
Publisher: Chartwell Books
ISBN: 9780785829317
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
This is the first book that shows in full color all the details of the war’s greatest weapons—handguns, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, mortars and antitank weapons. This reference is much more than a photo book. Each weapon is examined in detail, including a history of how each was developed, how and where they were utilized, and how they evolved during the war. The performance of each weapon is reviewed, and a profile of important variants for each model is provided. A summary box for each weapon provides numerous key details, including physical specifications, system of operation, feed system, rates of fire, manufacturer and collector value range. There have been many books on World War II infantry weapons, but none with photographs like this one. With over 500 photographs showing major infantry weapons from the Cobberton collection in North Devon, England, this book also contains a detailed examination of the small arms used in the conflict. Revolvers, pistols, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, mortars, grenades, mines, and hand-held anti-tank weapons.

Infantry Weapons of WWII

Infantry Weapons of WWII PDF Author: Jan Suermondt
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780873497855
Category : Firearms
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
The fascinating story of the famed small arms of World War II comes to life for the first time in a visually exciting encyclopedia that will be a must-have resource for history buffs and collectors alike. Created using all-new photography from the archives of the famed Cobbaton Collection, Infantry Weapons of World War II is the first book that shows in full color all the details of the war's greatest weapons-handguns, rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, mortars and antitank weapons. This reference is much more than a photo book. Each weapon is examined in detail, including a history of how each was developed, how and where they were utilized, and how they evolved during the war. The performance of each weapon is reviewed, and profile of important variants for each model is provided. A summary box for each weapon provides numerous key details, including: Physical specifications, System of operation, Feed system, Rates of fire, Manufacturer, Collector value range.

World War II Infantry Fire Support Tactics

World War II Infantry Fire Support Tactics PDF Author: Gordon L. Rottman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472815475
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 68

Book Description
As infantry units advanced across Europe the only support they could rely on from day to day was that provided by the heavy weapons of their own units. While thundering tanks struck fear into the hearts of their enemies it was the machine guns, mortars and light cannon that proved to be most important, causing the majority of casualties suffered during World War II. Common principles were shared across units but the wide variety of weapons available to the different armies altered the way they were used in battle. Focusing on the US, British, German and Soviet troops, this title offers a comprehensive guide to infantry fire support tactics used through World War II. Combat reports are complemented by specially commissioned artwork to show the way in which tactics varied, and highlight how developments obliged opposing armies to review their own methods.

The Evolution of the US Army Infantry Mortar Squad

The Evolution of the US Army Infantry Mortar Squad PDF Author: Virgil Ney
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Mortars (Ordnance)
Languages : en
Pages : 128

Book Description
The infantry mortar squad evolved over a period of several centuries. Its basis rests in antiquity. Its present organization and function may be dated from the trench warfare of World War I. From the most ancient times, mortars have been identified with artillery. This traditional association continued generally until the advent of World War I. The modern infantry mortar is essentially a product of the trench warfare of 1914-1918. In the postwar years, the mortar became a standard weapon of the infantry arm of all armies. The addition of the mortar to the infantry arsenal brought artillery characteristics and duties to the infantry. Mortars became highly portable artillery possessing great fire power to be used against targets often inaccessible to the infantry and patently unprofitable for engagement by heavier artillery.

Mortar Gunner on the Eastern Front Volume II

Mortar Gunner on the Eastern Front Volume II PDF Author: Hans Heinz Rehfeldt
Publisher: Greenhill Books
ISBN: 178438366X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 469

Book Description
This second volume of a Nazi soldier’s WWII diary continues the chronicle of his experiences on the Easter Front. A member of the Hitler Youth before the outbreak of World War II, Hans Heinz Rehfeldt volunteered for the Grossdeutschland’s panzer arm in 1940 and fought with them for nearly the entire war. He was decorated with the Iron Cross First and Second Class, the Eastern Front Medal, the Close Combat Clasp, and the Infantry Assault Badge. His diaries offer a historically significant chronicle of German military actions on the Eastern Front as well as a rare look inside the mind of a committed Nazi soldier. This second volume of Rehfeldt’s wartime diary covers his experience as a platoon commander in Romania, East Prussia and Lithuania during 1944. After being transferred by ship from Memel to Königsberg later that year, he took part in the battles for Ostprussen. Fleeing Russian imprisonment, he traveled west, where he fell into American captivity on May 3rd, 1945. In July, he was released and returned home.
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