Okla-homey
1/24/2006, 02:12 PM
Okay, here's the dealio. I collect WWII infantry weapons. Not sure why, I just think the stuff is cool, that and the fact my paternal grandfather was in it from D-Day until VE day. Anyhoo, last night I was drooling over the thought of getting my hands on a M2 60mm mortar (de-militarized of course;) ) to add to my collection.
I was reading this book which is quite comprehensive: U.S. Infantry Weapons of World War II by Bruce N. Canfield, Mowbray Publishing,1998. (Canfield is pretty much the "dean" of WWII weapons collectors.)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2549/60mmmortardisplay8jf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
M2 mortar from the collection of the 45 ID Museum in OKC. It's tube length is just over two feet. The whole set-up you see here weighed in at around 42 pounds. One guy usually schlepped the tube and mount -- 28 pounds worth, and another guy toted the base plate (13 pounds) and carried a few rounds which were about three pounds each -- his burden was therefore also about 30 pounds. FWIW, WWII airborne mortarmen bore this load in addition to their M1 rifle (over 9 pounds) ammunition, assorted other equipment, canteen, rations and personal gear all together easily exceeding 70 pounds...which helps explain why paratroopers had to be in great physical condition. After they landed, their primary means of surface transportation was by "leather personnel carrier."
The 60mm High Explosive rounds (M49A2) fired in the M2 mortar had a max range of about 2000 yards, although best accuracy was inside 1000 yards. Smoke and Illumination rounds were also available.
In the chapter on mortars, I noticed this account about a couple of the guys from "Band of Brothers" displaying absolutely incredible marksmanship with an M2 mortar tube, minus the mount and baseplate! Held upright by one hand, dropping the rounds with the other without benefit of the optical sight.
"Malarkey found his mortar tube, but not the base or tripod(sic). Setting the tube on the ground, he fired a dozen rounds toward the Manor [French house where some Nazi's were holed-up]. Guarnere joined him, working another mortar tube. They discovered later that every round hit its target.:eek: 'That kind of expertise you don't teach.' Winters commented. 'It's a God-given touch.'
When Malarkey ran out of rounds, his tube was almost completely buried. An old French farmer got a shovel to help him dig it out."
How cool is that?
I was reading this book which is quite comprehensive: U.S. Infantry Weapons of World War II by Bruce N. Canfield, Mowbray Publishing,1998. (Canfield is pretty much the "dean" of WWII weapons collectors.)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2549/60mmmortardisplay8jf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
M2 mortar from the collection of the 45 ID Museum in OKC. It's tube length is just over two feet. The whole set-up you see here weighed in at around 42 pounds. One guy usually schlepped the tube and mount -- 28 pounds worth, and another guy toted the base plate (13 pounds) and carried a few rounds which were about three pounds each -- his burden was therefore also about 30 pounds. FWIW, WWII airborne mortarmen bore this load in addition to their M1 rifle (over 9 pounds) ammunition, assorted other equipment, canteen, rations and personal gear all together easily exceeding 70 pounds...which helps explain why paratroopers had to be in great physical condition. After they landed, their primary means of surface transportation was by "leather personnel carrier."
The 60mm High Explosive rounds (M49A2) fired in the M2 mortar had a max range of about 2000 yards, although best accuracy was inside 1000 yards. Smoke and Illumination rounds were also available.
In the chapter on mortars, I noticed this account about a couple of the guys from "Band of Brothers" displaying absolutely incredible marksmanship with an M2 mortar tube, minus the mount and baseplate! Held upright by one hand, dropping the rounds with the other without benefit of the optical sight.
"Malarkey found his mortar tube, but not the base or tripod(sic). Setting the tube on the ground, he fired a dozen rounds toward the Manor [French house where some Nazi's were holed-up]. Guarnere joined him, working another mortar tube. They discovered later that every round hit its target.:eek: 'That kind of expertise you don't teach.' Winters commented. 'It's a God-given touch.'
When Malarkey ran out of rounds, his tube was almost completely buried. An old French farmer got a shovel to help him dig it out."
How cool is that?