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"German Marking of Antitank Mine Fields" from Tactical and Technical Trends

The following intelligence report on German mine field markings in Libya during WWII was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 8, Sept. 24, 1942.

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]
 

GERMAN MARKING OF ANTITANK MINE FIELDS

The following excerpts are taken from an order issued by the 90th Light Division in Libya on April 24, a short time before the start of the Axis offensive.

"Renewed accidents have shown that measures for the fencing of mine fields are still inadequate. In the future, strong wire fences 1 meter high, or stone walls at least 40 cm high, will be built. If shortage of men and material make it impossible to complete this work immediately, mines already laid will be secured or removed. All available substitute materials, such as barrels, concertina wire, tin cans, derelict vehicles, etc., will be used to mark mine fields. If engineers are not available, the work will be carried out by other arms.

"When a mine field is laid, the engineer unit will deliver to the commander of the sector or strongpoint a 1:25,000 map of the mine field. The removal of mines must likewise be reported to the sector or strongpoint commander.

"The sector or strongpoint commander is responsible for guarding the mine field and for traffic control in its vicinity. Both he and the troops under his command must know the exact location of the mines."

 
 


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