8 cm Granatwerfer 34

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	Weapon: 8 cm Granatwerfer 34 Type: Mortar Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1934 Overall Length (mm): 1140.0 Overall Length (in): 44.88 Weight (kg): 14.00 Weight (pounds): 30.86

The 8 cm Granatwerfer 34 was a medium mortar developed by Nazi Germany in the early 1930s and became one of the most widely used infantry support weapons of World War II. Designed by Rheinmetall, it was a conventional smoothbore, muzzle-loaded mortar with a sturdy bipod and baseplate configuration, offering reliability and simplicity. The mortar fired 81 mm high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds with a range of up to 2.4 kilometers, making it versatile for various battlefield roles. Its rate of fire, up to 15 rounds per minute, made it a valuable asset for providing suppressive fire and targeting enemy positions.

Production of the Granatwerfer 34 began in 1934 and continued throughout World War II, with tens of thousands manufactured to meet the demands of the German military. The weapon was issued to infantry units at the company and battalion levels, where it played a crucial role in both offensive and defensive operations. Its robust design allowed it to function effectively in diverse environments, from the deserts of North Africa to the frozen steppes of the Eastern Front. The Granatwerfer 34's ease of transport and rapid deployment made it a favorite among mortar crews.

The 8 cm Granatwerfer 34 is widely regarded as one of the best mortars of its time, combining accuracy, reliability, and firepower. Its design influenced post-war mortar development, with similar models appearing in various armed forces worldwide. While it was overshadowed by heavier artillery in large-scale operations, its effectiveness in close support roles cemented its reputation. Today, the Granatwerfer 34 is remembered as a key component of German infantry tactics during the war, and surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors and displayed in military museums.