Historical Specifics:

This minenwerfer is listed in the Australian War Memorial records as being captured by the 1 Bn.

In 1914 the light minenwerfer existed only in prototype form and issued to special engineer units. It had a square base. By autumn 1915 some were issued to the infantry. In Spring 1916 a new type minenwerfer was issue. This had a base square at the back and circular in front with a traverse plate making it possible to traverse the barrel through 360o. In the winter of 1916-17 they were issued to the infantry as close support weapons. A new variant came into service in 1917. This had a trail, much like an artillery piece, and a modified carriage which allowed it to be used in flat trajectory, such as against tanks. Its range in flat trajectory was 1,200 metres. Over 10,000 light minenwerfer were in service by the end of the war.