Panzerwurfmine

The Panzerwurfmine was an anti-tank grenade fielded by the German Army's infantry during World War II. It was developed by the Wehrmacht in 1941 for use by special tank killer infantry squads. Therefore, it provided the German foot soldier with a powerful stand-off weapon which could be carried and used by one man. The Panzerwurfmine was fitted with a hollow-charge warhead to pierce the targeted tank armor. To ensure that this warhead was actually facing the target and secure a successful hit, the grenade was equipped with a canvas finned tail, which gave the weapon stability in flight and precision.

The Panzerwurfmine was thrown at the target in a special manner. The grenade warhead had behind it a steel body attached to a wooden handle. The user gripped this handle, holding it behind his back, with the warhead pointing vertically upwards. Then the user swung his arm forward and released the handle. As soon as the grenade was in flight, four canvas fins unfolded from the handle for guidance and stabilization. Although this sounds very simple, in practice, it was not an easy weapon to use. It required training and, in combat situation, it involved risk.

The German anti-tank personnel greatly favored the Panzerwurfmine over other anti-tank weapons, since it was small, light, and easy to carry around. It was also powerful, as the warhead contained RDX and TNT in equal measure. RDX is a powerful explosive chemically classified as a nitramide. Combined with a hollow-charge principle, this usually ensured penetration of even the thickest armor of nearly all Allied tanks. It also had the advantage of not requiring the infantryman to approach the tank to place the grenade on the target. Further safety was provided by the fact that the warhead was not fully fused until it was in flight, for the act of throwing also armed the fuse.

Specifications

Type: hand-thrown anti-tank grenade

Weight (overall): 1.35 kg (2.98-lb); 0.52 kg (1.15-lb)

Body Diameter: 11.43 cm (4.5 inches)

Body Length: 22.86 cm (9 inches)

A schematic picture showing how to use the Panzerwurfmine.

Above two anti-tank grenades, with canvas fins folded up on wooden handle.