Minenwerfer - Hahndorf, South South Australia
Posted by: 
themd
S 35° 01.835 E 138° 48.638
54H E 300274 N 6121374
A reminder of the Great War.
This artillery piece was acquired at the Western Front during the Great War.
It is a German trench mortar weapon with a 25cm diameter barrel.
Waymark Code: WM11RQV
Location: South Australia, Australia
Date Posted: 12/12/2019
Views: 5
The gun came from the Canberra War Memorial and was to remain here and maintained by the local RSL.
In thelate 1970's the local RSL disbanded and the Artillery was to be removed from the area and taken to another RSL.
The local Lions Club stepped in and promised to maintain the relic for future generations.
In 2002 a grant of $2,410 from the Department of Veteran Affair's and restoration commenced.
The relic has stood in the current position since 1915.
It is believed to be the only piece of its type in Australia.
A Bronze Plaque at the site says the following.
Captured by the 8th Battalion in France
This (25cm) heavy minenwerfer was taken from the Germans by the Battalion on the Western Front. A rifle trench-mortar, it hurled projectiles weighing 139lb. and 210lb., the format to a range varying from 260 to 900 yards and the latter over a distance varying from 260 to 500 yards. The wheels and subframe were removed when the trench-mortar went into action.
Four of these mortars were included in the heavy section of a German divisional minenwerfer company, the personnel of which totalled 8 officers and 202 other ranks.
What type of artillery is this?: Trench Mortar
Where is this artillery located?: Park
What military of the world used this device?: Imperial German Army
Date artillery was in use: 07/28/1915
Date artillery was placed on display: 07/01/2015
Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Artillery is no longer operational: yes
Still may work: no
Are there any geocaches at this location?:
yes
Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
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