MarkLenders
Member
Just to share...
I've found on the Gothic Line area this baseplate of a WW2 US M1 mortar.
Here's the pics of an original similar restored item:
The M1 is the 81 millimeter US mortar used during WW2 till 1950 when it was replaced by the lighter and longer ranged M28 mortar.
The original project was based on the French Brandt mortar.
This baseplate is specific for the "Commando Version" that is the lighter version of M1 designed for maximum portability and rapid deployment, at the expense of accuracy and repeatability.
Details of the M1 mortar:
General data
Weight:
This base-plate has been found in an area that was defended by Wehrmacht and during 1945 it was conquered by the 5th US Army with 2 KIA and 9 wounded (against 5 KIA and 15 German soldier wounded).
I've found on the Gothic Line area this baseplate of a WW2 US M1 mortar.
Here's the pics of an original similar restored item:
The M1 is the 81 millimeter US mortar used during WW2 till 1950 when it was replaced by the lighter and longer ranged M28 mortar.
The original project was based on the French Brandt mortar.
This baseplate is specific for the "Commando Version" that is the lighter version of M1 designed for maximum portability and rapid deployment, at the expense of accuracy and repeatability.
Details of the M1 mortar:
General data
Weight:
- Tube 44.5 lb (20 kg)
- Mount 46.5 lb (21 kg)
- Base plate 45 lb (20 kg)
- Total 136 pounds (62 kg)
- M43A1 Light HE: 6.87 lb (3.11 kg); range min 200 yd (183 m); range max 3290 yd (3010 m); 80% frag radius 25 yd (23 m) (comparing favorably with 75 mm howitzer); fast detonating fuze (explode on surface).
- M45, M45B1 Heavy HE: 10.62 lb (4.82 kg); range max 2558 yd (2064 m); bursting radius comparable with 105 mm howitzer; equipped with delay fuze so some penetration possible for demolition use.
- M56 Heavy HE: 15.01 lb (6.81 kg); range max 1300 yards (1200 m); adjustable fuze for quick or delay operation.
- M57 WP (white phosphorus): 10.74 lb (4.87 kg); range max 2470 yd (2260 m); designed to lay down screening smoke, but had definite anti-personnel and incendiary applications.
- M57 FS: 10.74 lb (4.87 kg), range max 2470 yd (2260 m); laid down dense white smoke.
- M301 Illuminating shell: range max 2200 yd (2012 m); attached to parachute; burned brightly (275,000 candelas) for about 60 seconds, illuminating an area of about 150 yards (137 m) diameter; used M84 time fuze, adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds before priming charge detonated, releasing the illum and chute.
This base-plate has been found in an area that was defended by Wehrmacht and during 1945 it was conquered by the 5th US Army with 2 KIA and 9 wounded (against 5 KIA and 15 German soldier wounded).
Last edited: