Why were trench mortars so successful?
Its Advantages Over Artillery The chief advantage of the mortar was that it could be fired from the (relative) safety of the trench, avoiding exposure of the mortar crews to the enemy. Furthermore, it was notably lighter and more mobile than other, larger artillery pieces.
What impact did trench mortars have on ww1?
Trench mortars, and in particular these lighter models, played an important part in the final year of the war. During this phase, the German spring offensives introduced a new, aggressive form of warfare in which elite, well-equipped stormtroopers broke holes in the Allied lines and brought a new war of mobility.
Who used trench mortars?
| 240 mm Trench Mortar | |
|---|---|
| In service | 1915 – 1918 |
| Used by | France United States Italy Austria-Hungary |
| Wars | World War I |
| Production history |
How was the trench mortar used?
Trench mortars were used in a variety of defensive and offensive roles, from the suppression of an enemy machine-gun, sniper post or other local feature, to the coordinated firing of barrages.
Who invented mortars?
Wilfred Stokes
The prototype of the modern mortar was a three-inch weapon developed by the Englishman Wilfred Stokes in 1915. This consisted of a smooth-bored tube, resting upon a baseplate and supported by a bipod, that had a fixed firing pin at its breech end.
What type of damage do trench mortars cause?
What type of damage do trench mortars cause? They can blow you right out of your clothes (in half).
Why are mortars used?
They launch explosive shells (technically called bombs) in high-arcing ballistic trajectories. Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support with a variety of ammunition.
What do mortars do?
A mortar is an artillery weapon which fires explosive shells. They are fired at targets which are close, as mortars do not have long range. It has a short barrel which fires the mortar bomb at a low speed high into the air to reach its target. They have been used since medieval times.
Who invented mortars in ww1?
(later Sir Wilfred) Stokes
The progenitor of most present-day mortars is the Stokes mortar, designed in January 1915 by British weapons designer F.W.C. (later Sir Wilfred) Stokes and used in World War I. The Stokes mortar was portable, weighing 49 kg (108 pounds).
What are mortars used for?
Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support with a variety of ammunition.
When was mortar first used?
Mortars were first used as early as 1453 by the Ottomans during the siege of Constantinople. Some were large devices that weighed 4,500 kg (5 tons) and were capable of firing projectiles in excess of 100 kg (220 pounds) through a tube roughly 1 metre (3 feet) in length.
What were the trenches in World War 1?
The typical trench system in World War I consisted of a series of two, three, four, or more trench lines running parallel to each other and being at least 1 mile (1.6 km) in depth. Each trench was dug in a type of zigzag so that no enemy, standing at one end, could fire for more than a few yards down its length.
What is trench mortar?
trench mortar (plural trench mortars) A small mortar designed to fire shells from one trench to an enemy trench.
How was artillery used in World War 1?
Artillery was used to shoot shells containing another deadly WW1 weapon; poison gas. During WW1 heavy artillery mounted on railroad cars were utilized. This enabled the weapons to be transported quickly to where needed.
What did the Germans do during World War 1?
During World War I, the German Empire was one of the Central Powers that lost the war. It began participation in the conflict after the declaration of war against Serbia by its ally, Austria-Hungary. German forces fought the Allies on both the eastern and western fronts,…