Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar

21cm schwere Granatenwerfer

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

1. German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar Marker

Inscription. The famous Czech armament maker, Skoda, produced a 22cm prototype of this heavy mortar. The German High Command directed that the caliber be changed to 21cm to utilize the German standard ammunition. The first GrW 69s were produced in November 1944 with an estimated total production of 129 made by the end of the war. They were capable of firing either a light shell of 187 lbs. to a range of 6,890 yards or a heavy shell of 240 lbs. to a range of 5,676 yards. The mortar was designed so that the complete unit could be towed behind a vehicle. Riding above the tube, the base plate remained attached during transport. In firing position, the wheels rested in the shoes, which were attached to the base plate by rods. Elevation was obtained by rack and pinion on the upright legs. The firing mechanism was built into the breech ring and was of continuous pull type. Nicknamed the Elefant (Elephant), it had a reputation for being rather dangerous to the troops firing it.

Caliber - 8.2 in. - 210 mm
Weight - 6,173 lbs. - 2,800 kg
Range - 6,890 yds. - 6,300 m
Muzzle Velocity - 935 ft/sec. - 285 m/sec.
Shell Weight - 187 lbs. - 85

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Elevation - (-40 to +70 degrees) - (-720 to +1,270 mils)
Traverse - 60 degrees - 1,100 mils
Rate of Fire - 1 rpm (estimated)
CCN# 101223

Erected by U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Marker Number 190.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1944.

Location. 34° 40.003′ N, 98° 23.078′ W. Marker is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in Comanche County. It is at the intersection of Corral Road and Randolph Road, on the right when traveling west on Corral Road. The marker is located in the eastern section of Artillery Park at the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Sill OK 73503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Kiowa Tribe,

in the Comanche Nation,

and in Southwest Oklahoma.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

Front view of the German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

2. Front view of the German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar and Marker

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Austro-Hungarian 75mm Mountain Cannon Model 15 (a few steps from this marker); German 150mm Heavy Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); German 56 150 and 300mm Rocket Launcher (a few steps from this marker); German 88mm Anti-Aircraft 36 Gun (a few steps from this marker); German K-18 170mm Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); British/Canadian Ordnance QF 18-Pounder Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); British 25-Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker); Czechoslovakian VZ 14/19 10cm Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Sill.

More about this marker. Marker and Museum are located on Fort Sill, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access for Fort Sill.

Also see . . . U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Submitted on March 8, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The side view of the German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

3. The side view of the German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 126 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.