Page:Objects Dropped From The Air p25.jpg

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

25

4. "CROWS-FEET

The Germans have devices for puncturing the tyres of aircraft and motor transport known from their shape as "Crows-feet." · They are segments of sheet metal with four barbed points so arranged that when resting on any three points the fourth is projecting upwards. They are of two sizes; in one, when the foot is on the ground, the base of the

Figure 32.-"Crows-Feet"

triangle made has 3 in. sides and the height of the projecting point is 2½ in.; in the other, the corresponding measurements are 2½ in. and 2 in. The metal is painted green or green and khaki (Figure 32). These devices are sometimes carried in a container, type F (i) (see Figure 46).

5. AIRCRAFT DEMOLITION BOMBS'

German aircraft carry metal canisters filled with T.N.T. intended for the use of the crew in destroying the aircraft should it be forced to land in a hostile country. The canisters are painted German field-grey and are made in two sizes: One weighs 2 kg. and measures 7 in. by 4 in. by 3 in., and the other weighs 3 kg., and measures 9½ in. by 6½ in. by 3 in. In the event of aircraft crashing, these canisters may be thrown some distance from the wreckage, and should not be tampered with.

There is a small wire half-loop handle counter-sunk into the top of the canister. Three coloured labels are stuck over holes in the sides; one is generally fixed at the top near the handle, the second in one of the broad sides of the canister, and the third at the bottom. The weight is also painted in white on one side and the labels may bear some such inscription in bright orange lettering as:—

"Geballie Ladung. 3 kg. F.P. 02 Sulfiltri ESG. 1938. RDF 5. Lief. 1938."

6. GERMAN SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION

German small arms ammunition is mainly of three calibres, viz.:—

07.92 mm. (0.312 in.) Mauser pattern.
13.00 mm. (0.500 in.) Solothurn pattern.
20.00 mm. (0.800 in.) Oerlikon or Mauser (151/20 mm.) pattern.

In addition, 15 mm. and 30 mm. calibres exist, but are less frequently found, However, the 30 mm. may be expected to be found