Nebelwerfer

A Nebelwerfer 41 six-barrelled 150mm rocket launcher, probably from Nebelwerfer- Regiment 70, which came up from the Crimea with AOK 11 in August 1942. This unit was used to help repel the Soviet attack on the Siniavino Heights.

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German Nebelwerfer

This Nebelwerfer is been loaded in preparation of firing in support of the 6th Army's last major operation, which began on 11th November. Two regiments of such weapons, 2nd and 30th, fought at Stalingrad. Judging by its pristine condition this one has clearly just been wheeled out from one of the nearby shelter.

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The war in Russia showed the Germans that they needed artillery; the heavy horse and tractor drawn pieces were all very well in normal operations, but they were very slow in the advance in comparison with armour, and when things happened fast artillery was needed to attack advancing Russian troops quickly and effectively. The six-barrelled Nebelwerfer 41 was one of the answers.

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The calibre was actually 15.85cm, and the length of the barrels was 1.3m (3ft 3in). Travelling weight was 590kg (1,298lb), allowing it to be manhandled by its crew of four. It had a traverse of 24° and elevation from -5° to +45°. The muzzle velocity was 340mps (1,118fps), and shell weights were: HE 34.15kg (75lb), Smoke 35.48kg (78lb). Range was 6900m (27,640ft) maximum.

The rate of fire, most important later in the war when large masses of Russian soldiers were involved in attacks, was six rockets in ten seconds, and three salvos of six rockets in five minutes. Later, the Germans developed the larger 21cm version (the Nebelwerfer 42) which came into full service in 1943, but did not replace the 15cm version. Due to the fact that the weapon fired a rocket from an open barrel, there was little or no recoil, and the weapon was easily moved from position to position either by its tractor or by its crew. Loading was simple: the rockets were pushed into the barrels from the rear, and fired electrically in a ripple salvo.

Drawing By Elizabeth Sharp

 

Captured German Nebelwerfer

A Turned against its own, this captured German Nebelwerfer (literally smoke thrower) is speedily reloaded by its Soviet crew in an operation that will take approximately 90 seconds. Each high-explosive rocket weighed some 34kg (75lb).The angle of the tubes would suggest that the target is an armoured vehicle approaching over the crest of the ridge. The white star indicates an earlier “kill” possibly by this unorthodox method of firing.

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This picture is showing two German Soldiers hurrying to load the Nebelwerfer 41 for firing on close by enemy troops ...

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Half track vehicle with a rocket launcher

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Nebelwerfer Used in Russian Campaign During World War Two

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Two men from a smoke troop seen loading this Nebelwerfer.

 

A 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 on the Easter Front in 1943. This 6 barrelled rocket launcher was mounted on the carriage of the 3.7cm Pak 35/36

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Waffen-SS corps-level rocket units boasted the Nebelwerfer multiple rocket launcher, which first saw action on the Russian Front (these are captured models being examined by Red Army troops).

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Waffen-SS Nebeltruppen (smoke troops) rush to reload their 15cm Nebelwerfer41 rocket launchers. Speed was essential, as the battery would attempt to fire two or more salvos before displacing to avoid Soviet counter-battery fire. Note that tha rocket's shipping canisters are camouflaged with pine boughs.

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Setting up a Nebelwerfer in an Italian field.

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A German soldier lies sprawled against a Nebelwerfer after a bayonet attack in Tunis, Tunisia, on May 17, 1943.

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