7.6 cm leichte Minenwerfer 1916 n/a in Flachbahn-Lafette

Model 1916 trench mortar mounted on a turntable that is attached to a metal baseplate. The mortar can rotated through 360 degrees. The barrel is rifled and is fitted with hydraulic recoil recuperators. The barrel has elevation and traverse controls. The baseplate is fitted with axles on either side, allowing it to mount wheels. Wheels are missing. The mortar is fitted with a flat trajectory carriage (Flaschbahn-Lafette) constructed largely from angle iron. The mortar is painted matt field grey (possibly not original). The baseplate is badly corroded. Markings - 1801.

The Model 1916 trench mortar was the standard light infantry mortar used by the German Army during the First World War. This is a later war model, with base plate introduced in 1916, and a cradle (introduced in 1918) which allows it to fire at a flat trajectory. The weapon was designed to support infantry by close range flat trajectory fire. When moving on roads, the minenwerfer were hooked onto light ammunition carts and pulled by horses. The weapon was unhooked on the battlefield and manhandled into position. Support provided by horse-drawn light minenwerfer was one of the fatures of the 1918 Aisne offensive.