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Minenwerfer Pioneers, who were not designated to carry a hand gun, were issued the 98a Karbine (top). A Few Pioneers still carried the older 88 Karbine (bottom). Photo, courtesy Dan Eibeck. |
It was not uncommon for soldiers to carry personal hand guns, which were either private purchases or Souvenirs. These were not issued by the government and therefore could be very difficult to get ammunition for. Hand guns were generally only issued to NCO's and above, as well as certain members of both mortar and machine gun crews. The guns listed below represent some of the typical government issue guns.
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Model 1883 Reichsrevolver: 10.55mm caliber; 4-1/2" barrel. This was a common revolver for the entire German Army and Navy. |
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C95 "Broomhandle" Mauser, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. |
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Parabellum 08 "Luger", 9mm semi-automatic pistol with 4" barrel. |
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Parabellum 08, "Artillery Luger", 9mm semi-automatic pistol with 8" barrel and adjustable tangent sight. Shown with the 32 round "snail" drum, it could also be used with the standard 8 round magazine. |
Although not typical to most Minenwerfer units, our unit is fortunate to maintain possession of two machine guns for defensive purposes. The first is a Maxim MG08/15 Light machine gun and the second is a Bergmann MP-18 sub-machine gun.
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The 08/15 is a "portable" version of the water cooled, 8mm Maxim MG08 machine gun. It has a smaller water jacket and receiver, but still weighs about 65 pounds when fully loaded. The 08/15 can be set up to fire from a fixed position with an assistant to help feed the belt or an assault drum may be attached to allow single person operation while on the run. |
| The Bergmann MP-18 was the first mass produced sub-machine gun. It is air cooled and carries a 32 round, quick change, magazine for use with standard 9mm Parabellum rounds. Unfortunately, for Germany, it was introduced too late in the war to have any significant effect on its outcome. |  |