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The unexploded "G" mine is likely to be buried and cannot be identified from its hole of entry, which will be the same as that of a large bomb. Fragments of bakelised material will, however, generally indicate its presence as, so far, fins of this material have not been observed on other German bombs, and the tail cover dome, which is of unusual shape, may be found broken off by impact.
The tail fin assembly carries the following markings in red letters ¾ in. high printed on paper labels:—
(a) On the ring round the end of the tail fins: "Hier nicht anheben" (Do not lift here). (b) On one or more fins: "Vorsicht—Leicht verletz-bar" (With care—fragile).
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Figure 29.—Nose Extension for Type "G" Mine
The nose of one such mine was inscribed "Zu verbrauchen bis März 1942 Bk. 1.4.41. 1609."
(To be used before March, 1942. Manufactured 1.4.41.
A specimen has been recovered which shows that a new device may occasionally be fitted to the nose of this mine in order to prevent too rapid penetration on impact.
This device (not yet dropped in this country) consists of an extension in two parts.
The rear portion, made of brown bakelised material painted light blue in the same way as the tail fins, consists of a cylinder 2 ft. 1½ in. diameter, which is fitted over the nose of the mine.
In front of this is fitted a false nose shaped like the real nose of the mine. This false nose is about I ft. 8 in. deep and is made of six metal segments with a central rod and radial ribs or stays of metal. It serves merely to streamline the mine while it is being carried below the aircraft. On release from the aircraft a fuze immediately operates to blow off the false nose, leaving the cylinder attached to the mine.
The cylinder has the effect of a brake, delaying the fall of the mine through air or water. The mine itself remains externally unchanged. The metal segments, of which some. may bear the markings B.V.3., and other components of the false nose (see Figure 29) may be found intact at some distance from the mine.
Portions of the bakelised material of the cylinder may be found at the point of impact.
