Kz 8 cm GrW 42

The kurzer 8 cm Granatwerfer 42 (kz 8 cm GrW 42) was a mortar used by Germany during World War II. Nicknamed the "Stummelwerfer" (Stump-Thrower),^[3] it was developed as a lightened version of the standard German 8 cm GrW 34 medium mortar with a shorter barrel for use by paratroopers, but replaced the ineffective 5 cm leGrW 36 as that weapon's shortcomings became apparent.

kurzer 8 cm Granatwerfer 42
Type	Mortar
Place of origin	Nazi Germany
Service history
Used by	Nazi Germany
Wars	World War II
Production history
Designer	Rheinmetall
Designed	1940–41
Produced	1941–45
No. built	1,591[1]
Specifications
Mass	30 kg (66 lb) (travel) 26.5 kg (58 lb) (combat)
Barrel length	747 mm (29.4 in)
Shell weight	3.5 kg (7 lb 11 oz)
Caliber	81.4 mm (3.20 in)
Elevation	40° to 90°
Traverse	14° to 34°
Rate of fire	15−25 rpm
Maximum firing range	1.1 km (0.68 mi)
References	[2]

History and use

At the start of World War II, the 5 cm Granatwerfer 36 was the standard light mortar of the German Army. Its performance was considered lackluster, specially given the overly complicated design, which included a telescopic sight (eventually dropped) and levelling and elevation controls. After 1942, the GrW 36 was gradually withdrawn from frontline service with the Army and Waffen SS in favor of the GrW 42, which was originally intended for use by Fallschirmjäger and special forces.^[2][4]

Design

The GrW 42 was a shorter and lighter version of the 8 cm Granatwerfer 34, which fired 8 cm (3.1 in) ammunition and was based on the Stokes mortar with a few modifications.^[5] While the short barrel inevitably decreased range, the heavier bomb provided extra firepower in comparison to the 5 cm (2.0 in) mortar. It could be broken down in three loads. The GrW 42 was normally drop fired, but a lanyard-operated mechanism could be fitted over the muzzle, allowing crews to take cover or fire the weapon from ambush positions. Minimum fire range was 50 m (160 ft) while the maximum range was 1,100 m (1,200 yd),^[6] about half of the 8 cm GrW 34.^[7]

According to military historian Ian V. Hogg, the GrW 42 was about the smallest size that a medium mortar could be reduced while still being able to fire a standard-sized bomb.^[7] According to Rottman, the mortar nominal caliber was 8 cm, it actually fired 81 mm (3.2 in) bombs and could fire US ammunition.^[3]