The capabilities of German rocket and recoilless weapons warrant serious study by U.S. soldiers, not only because they are highly effective and mobile but because they are being used increasingly, in view of Germany's raw material shortages, as substitutes for conventional artillery and antitank weapons. When the Germans began this war, they believed that their Stuka bombers—the Ju 87 and the Ju 88 —would take over a high percentage of direct infantry-support missions from the field artillery. No matter how well these aircraft may have accomplished their missions during the campaign in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries, and France, their inability to take over a field artillery role became evident after Germany had attacked Russia and had encountered masses of Russian artillery. However, by the time the attrition of the war with Russia had its cramping effect on German industry, it was too late for Hitler to build up his artillery arm sufficiently to gain the necessary superiority.

Before the war the Germans, like the Russians, had been experimenting with rocket developments. When the need for artillery substitutes became apparent, the Germans naturally turned to rockets and rocket launchers since these were relatively inexpensive and could be produced quickly. In contrast to artillery, rockets do not require electric-furnace steel, carefully forged tubes, or heavy carriages with delicately machined recoil and counterrecoil mechanisms.

The first German rockets were those launched from the Schweres Wurfgerät 40 ("heavy throwing apparatus") and the Schweres Wurfgerät 41. These fire either 180-pound high-explosive or 196-pound incendiary rockets. These rockets are 280-mm and 320-mm in diameter, and weigh 180 and 196 pounds respectively. The Schweres Wurfgerät 40 consists merely of a wooden frame (Wurfgestell 40) which fires rockets from wooden shipping crates; the 41, of a steel frame (Wurfgestell 41) holding either wooden or steel shipping crates. The launcher Schweres Wurfrahmen 40 consists of plates on the side of an armored half-track. Each half-track mounts a total of six plates, three on each side. The rocket-carrying crates are secured to the plates, and the latter are then inclined at a right angle for firing. Rockets also are fired from a Wurfgerät by the simple process of inclining the "heavy throwing apparatus" (shipping crate) in a trench (or against a firm rest) and setting a correct angle. The 300-mm high-explosive rocket also may be fired in this manner.

In 1941 there appeared the now-famous 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41, or rocket projector, which U.S. soldiers have nicknamed the "Screaming Meemie." (The literal translation of Nebelwerfer is "smoke thrower.") This weapon launches its rockets from six grooved tubes, which are 5.9 inches in diameter. Although the tubes are mounted on a two-wheeled carriage with a split trail, the whole apparatus is so light that two men can manhandle it easily. The 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41 is supposed to fire in batteries of six pieces, with each piece launching a six-round salvo every 8 minutes. (Misfires are common.) The crew takes shelter in a slit trench before firing, and discharges the six rockets by remote control, following a prescribed sequence. The rockets' maximum range is about 8,000 yards.

Similar to the 15-cm Nebelwerfer 41 is the five-tube 21-cm Nebelwerfer 42. This launcher fires 8-inch rockets as far as 8,600 yards. Its high-explosive rockets are shaped like artillery shells, and the Germans consider these rockets their most effective long-range rocket projectiles.

To give their larger rockets greater accuracy and to speed up the firing, the Germans have provided two-wheel carriages with pneumatic tires. These carriages and launchers differ from those for the 150-mm and 210-mm Nebelwerfer. The larger launchers consist of steel frames into which the shipping crates are inserted. The most common of these launchers—the 28/32-cm Nebelwerfer 41—has six frames, which fire either the 320-mm incendiary rocket or the 280-mm high-explosive rocket, as fired from the Wurfgeräte and Wurfrahmen. For the latter, liners are fitted inside the frames. These rockets may be fired at the rate of one salvo (six rockets) in 10 seconds. Theoretically, the battery of six pieces is supposed to fire simultaneously. Each piece has a crew of seven men. When they are ready to fire, they take cover in two slit trenches about 30 yards to the rear of the right side of the piece. The time allotted to reload each Nebelwerfer is 5 minutes. The ammunition usually is piled on the ground to the right and left of the piece. The maximum range for the 280-mm high-explosive rocket is only 2,100 yards; and for the 320-mm incendiary rocket, 2,400 yards. The minimum range is 1,375 yards. It is reported that the Germans prefer ranges of from 1,870 to 2,090 yards.

The 300-mm launcher 30-cm Nebelwerfer 42 is constructed along much the same lines as the 28/32-cm Nebelwerfer 41.

Dissatisfied with the slow rate of fire of these launchers, the Germans conducted experiments in an effort to attain a faster rate. Their research resulted in production of the 15-cm Panzerwerfer 42. This consists of two banks of 15-cm Nebelwerfer launching tubes, with six tubes in each bank. The launching unit is mounted on an armored half-track. Since the crew need not dig slit trenches, but can take cover in the vehicle instead, fire can be delivered somewhat faster than from other Nebelwerfer. Panzerwerfer are organized in the standard rocket-launcher battery of two platoons of three pieces each.

Although the name Nebelwerfer implies that the original purpose of these rocket launchers was to lay down smoke concentrations, it must be remembered that these same launchers can serve as projectors for gas-loaded rockets. Their thin-skinned projectiles can carry far more gas, incendiary, or smoke-generating material than can thick-walled artillery shells. (The 300-mm rocket, for example, carries 10 gallons of incendiary material.) Since pinpoint accuracy is not necessary in building up smoke concentrations, the Nebelwerfer's lack of preciseness is of little importance when chemical rockets are used.

High explosive is a different matter. A great deal of high explosive can be crammed into these rockets (the 280-mm carries 55 pounds of high explosive), but since direct hits on personnel and installations must be scored, inaccuracy is a seriously compromising factor. In general, Nebelwerfer firing high explosive are useful only against area targets, such as towns. The walls of the rocket yield little fragmentation, and the effect is chiefly blast.

Smoke trails from the flying rockets betray the battery locations, no matter what type of ammunition is fired. For this reason, the Germans try to make the most of initial surprise concentrations, especially with the shorter-range rockets. In prolonged fire frequent shifting of battery positions is necessary if counterbattery is to be avoided.

With their customary eagerness to turn their shortcomings into assets, the Germans have tried to make capital out of the spectacular effect of rocket trails and have even gone so far as to put coloring matter in the propellants. The enemy believes that the scream of the rockets and the loud bursts of the heavily laden but inaccurate projectiles weaken the morale of Allied troops meeting these phenomena for the first time.

Less spectacular, but more practical, are the recoilless weapons used in antitank warfare.[1] When the Russian T-34 medium tank appeared in 1941, the Germans realized that all conventional antitank guns smaller than 75-mm in caliber would become obsolete. Already hard-pressed for artillery, the enemy simply could not produce enough heavy antitank pieces approximately the size of field guns. Therefore, when the U.S. bazooka was introduced, they promptly adapted the weapon for their own use. Then they developed their Panzerfaust series. The latest Panzerfaust, the 60, is known to have a maximum range of about 90 yards. Its folding sight, in a downward position, acts as a safety. Raised, it has three rectangular holes. When the target is aligned with a stub on the upper edge of the projectile, sighting through the lowest hole gives a 33-yard range; through the middle hole, a 66-yard range; and through the upper hole, an 88-yard range. This Panzerfaust will penetrate better than 7 inches of armor. Like all the German one-man recoilless weapons, the latest Panzerfaust fires a hollow-charge projectile. However, the Panzerfaust 60's projectile is unusual in that the head with the explosive charge may be carried separately; just before firing, the head is attached to the stick and vanes, which have been kept in the launching tube.

There are two types of German bazooka both of which the German soldiers call Ofenrohr, or "stovepipe." The newer is the 8.8-cm R. Pz. B. 54; its shield for the firer is the feature which principally distinguishes it from the earlier R. Pz. B. 43. According to the Germans, the Ofenrohr's 88-mm, 7.5-pound, hollow-charge round can achieve penetrations on any Allied armored vehicle at ranges up to 160 yards, but is not suitable for use against unarmored targets. Larger and clumsier than the U.S. bazooka, the Ofenrohr has projectile guide tubes, which wear out after about 300 rounds have been fired.

German directives call for each rifle company to form rocket-launching personnel into at least one antitank section.[2] The section consists of a leader, a driver (for a horse-drawn vehicle), and two squads of six men each. Each squad has three rocket launchers. Ten rounds are allotted to each launcher. Launchers and ammunition are carried in a two-wheeled towable infantry cart (I.F. 8). If possible, personnel of the entire section are provided with rifle grenade launchers, suitable antitank and smoke grenades, and magnetic hollow charges for antitank close combat. A German antitank bazooka team consists of two men, the loader and the firer. If the firer is operating the shieldless R. Pz. B. 43, he wears special gloves and headgear.

The Germans specify that the section should be used as a whole, whenever possible. Each squad is dug in so that the fires of its three bazookas interlock. Slit trenches in what the Air Forces would call a "V of V's," with the prongs of all the V's facing the opposing force, is the favorite German way of digging in each squad.[3] The V-shape of each slit trench permits the loader to take shelter and yet remain close to the operator and the weapon.

Alternate positions are prepared, with communication trenches dug so that personnel can change positions in battle without unnecessary risk. If sections are held in reserve for any reason, they prepare positions ahead of time for possible use, and reconnoiter covered approach routes by which the positions may be occupied. To give reserve sections time to deploy, and to ensure that forward bazooka squads are alerted, the Germans try to devise extensive warning systems to indicate the approach of hostile tanks.

As the tanks approach, Ofenrohr teams are supposed to keep cool and to withhold fire until short ranges have provided the best opportunities for scoring hits. Such waits also increase the possibility of surprise, and permit teams to get a maximum number of tanks within range. The German intention is to destroy as many tanks as possible before the vehicle can take evasive action or drawback out of bazooka range. Usually the choice of target and the moment to open fire are left to the initiative of each bazooka operator. Sometimes section or squad leaders may give fire orders in advance, as a means of ensuring surprise fire effect. To open fire, the launcher is lifted above ground level, and then is brought back into the trench for reloading.

Of incidental interest is the following extract from an order by a German regimental commander: In recent fighting it was discovered that projectiles fired at a tank from an Ofenrohr at a range of 5 yards did not explode, but bounced harmlessly off the armor. In the future, therefore, tank hunters must take pains to fire the Ofenrohr at a minimum range of 32 yards.

The Püppchen ("Dolly"), a carriage-mounted rocket launcher with breechblock, fires the same 88-mm rocket that is used with the Ofenrohr. The breech prevents any flash to the rear while firing is in progress. To lower the Püppchen's silhouette, the wheels may be removed and the piece left standing on two sled-like rests. In preliminary positions the ground is dug out so that the horizontal section of the lower carriage and trail will lie below the surface. For an all-around prepared position, circular trenches with an inner radius of about 2 feet are prepared. The barrel is left just clear of cover, as is done in the case of the preliminary positions. The lower carriage is dug in and the trail wedged, so that the piece can be fired at an angle of 180 degrees. Positions are prepared in defilade or on reverse slopes, and are well camouflaged. In general, enemy doctrine governing the preparation of positions and the conduct of fire is similar to that for the Ofenrohr, except that only two projectors of the Püppchen type are considered necessary for satisfactory interlocking fire.

The maximum effective range of the Püppchen is considered to be 220 yards, although badly dispersed fire up to 275 yards is possible. For this reason the Püppchen, like the Ofenrohr, is employed in the foremost infantry positions. For added protection from artillery fire, the launcher may be detached from its carriage and removed to a shelter some distance away from the prepared position. Alternate positions are prepared only when the terrain restricts the field of fire and provides good cover for the maneuvering piece. In such terrain each position is constructed so that the Püppchen can be run in and out on wheels. Since the Püppchen is harder to conceal than the Ofenrohr, the Germans believe that it is necessary to furnish the larger weapon with antitank protection in the form of obstacles, natural or artificial, supplemented by mines. Because the Püppchen's carriage is not strong enough to stand up under motor towing at high speed, and since horse-draft sacrifices valuable time and involves the problem of replacing animal casualties, the Püppchen generally is transported on trucks and is used only in positional warfare.

The 88-mm rocket used in both the Ofenrohr and the Püppchen is heavy enough to cause ammunition-supply difficulties in battle. (A box of three rounds weighs 24 pounds.) This is why the Germans try to build up supplies in all main and alternate positions.