| Accession Number | RELAWM36143 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Technology |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1939 - 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Mine Battery (Germany)
Description
Dry battery for powering the firing mechanism of an acoustic mine. The battery body is encased on its four sides by thin aluminium sheet. The two open ends are covered with hard black wax. A two-core (red and green) electrical lead protrudes from the middle upper wax element. The remaining wire is approximately 200 mm long.
History / Summary
This battery provided the electrical prwer for the firing mechanism of a magnetic acoustic sea mine. This was captured by HMAS Deloraine at Rabaul from the Japanese, but is of German origin. Deloraine in four months detonated seven magnetic mines while engaged in operational minesweeping in the Rabaul- Kavieng area. This item was used for instructional purposes on the ship until it was paid off. The mechanism to which it was attached (RELAWM 36141 and RELAWM 36142) was thought by the crew to be a masterpiece of intricate wiring and balance.