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.
German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar. 21cm schwere Granatenwerfer. 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 kg , Elevation - (-40 to +70 degrees) - (-720 to +1,270 mils) , Traverse - 60 degrees - 1,100 mils , Rate of Fire - 1 rpm (estimated) , CCN# 101223
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 kg
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
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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. Marker 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.
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 267 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
