ARTILLERY REGISTER

         
250 mm Schwerer Minenwerfer
Type of Gun: 250 mm Schwerer Minenwerfer
Location: New England Highway, Muswellbrook, NSW
GPS Location:  
Serial Number: 2248
Date of Manufacture:  
Manufacturer:  
Calibre: 250 mm
Weight of Projectile: 97 kg
Range: 1,077 metres
         
Historical Specifics: Captured by 20th Battalion.

Having studied action around Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) the Germans developed a minenwerfer (mine thrower) for use against prepared fortifications. Production commenced in 1908 and by 1914 some 44 of the 250 cm calibre were issued to troops. By 1916 there use had been extended to include its use for infantry support.

It was a rifled muzzle loading mortar with a barrel length of 3 calibre (ie 750 mm). This was increased to 5 calibre (1250mm) in 1916. The new version could fire a shell up to 1000 metres. The sMW was very heavy and cumbersome to handle; it took 21 men to move it. It came with special wheels that were removed when the mortar was emplaced.
         
General Information on Gun Type:  
         
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