Allied intelligence report on the German mobile machine-gun pillbox including Russian notes on attack methods, from the July 1944 issue of the Intelligence Bulletin. [Editor's Note: The following article is wartime information on enemy equipment published for Allied soldiers. More accurate data on German weapons and equipment is available in postwar publications.]

 

GERMAN MOBILE STEEL PILLBOX 1. INTRODUCTION In Italy the Germans have been using a mobile steel pillbox, nicknamed the "Armored Crab," which made its first appearance on the Russian front in 1943. This pillbox (see figure) is mounted in an inverted position on wheels, and usually is hauled by tractor to a designated site, where it is overturned into a prepared cavity. After this, the exposed upper half of the pillbox (which is non-rotating) is camouflaged with rocks, earth, or local vegetation. The pillbox accommodates two men, and is armed an M.G. 42. 2. TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS The following characteristics of the German mobile steel pillbox are worth noting: a. Dimensions Overall height    . . . . . . . . . .    6 ft 3 in Overall length . . . . . . . . . . 5 ft 10 in Overall width . . . . . . . . . . 5 ft 7 in Interior height . . . . . . . . . . 6 ft 1 in Interior length . . . . . . . . . . 5 ft 1/2 in Interior width . . . . . . . . . . 5 ft 3 in Door . . . . . . . . . . 1 ft 11 in by 1 ft 11 in Gun slit . . . . . . . . . . 3 in by 5 in Vision slit (front) . . . . . . . . . . 2 in by 5 in Openings for periscopes . . . . . . . . . . 4 in diameter Ventilation slit . . . . . . . . . . 8 1/4 in by 2 1/2 in b. Armor Front    . . . . . . . . . .    7 1/2 in Rear and sides . . . . . . . . . . 1 3/4 in Top . . . . . . . . . . 1 3/4 in Door . . . . . . . . . . 1 in German Mobile Steel Pillbox 3. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES In the front of the pillbox, there is a small embrasure for the machine gun, with an observation peephole above. When necessary, these openings are covered outside by a heavy metal shield, which can be moved either to the right or left of the embrasure by means of a lever inside the pillbox. On top of the pillbox are two collapsible periscopes, also regulated from the interior. The entrance to the pillbox is a small door in the rear; this is locked from the inside by means of two brackets. The machine gun is mounted on a single bracket mounting which allows a free horizontal traverse on a semicircular grooved slide. The field of fire is 60 degrees. Elevation and depression, which are limited, are accomplished by a small handle to the left of the machine gun. Forward of the machine-gun trigger, there is a leather cover to channel off the gases from the gun and also to receive spent cartridges. Attached to the cover is a metal tube. In turn, this tube is connected to a metal box fastened to the floor. The gases are expelled by a small fan situated beside the metal box. The fan is operated by two small foot pedals, one on each side of the pillbox. Each pedal may be worked independently. Air is expelled through a slit above, and to the right of, the door. Fresh air enters through a vent in the ceiling. Two folding seats are provided for the crew. There are two iron rungs which serve as steps to facilitate entering and leaving. Two leather straps are hung from the ceiling, near the periscope openings. At the rear of the pillbox, and near the top, there are two holes into which steel bars may be inserted to lift the pillbox on and off its trailer. When these holes are not in use, they are closed by metal plugs. Ammunition is stored on shelves below the machine gun, in the forward part of the pillbox. There are also two boxes for tools and spare parts for the gun. Space is provided for a field telephone. 4. HOW THE RUSSIANS COMBAT IT The following is a paraphrase of a Red Army discussion of the best methods of combatting the German mobile steel pillbox: Inasmuch as only a small portion of the pillbox may show above ground level, the installation may be somewhat difficult to detect. Thorough reconnaissance is necessary. The pillbox can best be detected by the outline of its embrasure, its periscopes, and its flue pipe, and by flash and powder smoke when the machine gun is fired. Riflemen or mortar squads should demolish the periscopes, thus leaving the crew without means of observation, apart from the embrasure peephole. Rifle fire should be aimed at the embrasure. In a number of captured pillboxes, armor-piercing rifle bullets had made holes in the lower half (the walls of the base). Obviously, such fire is possible only if this portion has been uncovered by artillery or if it was not completely covered with earth when the pillbox was emplaced. Antitank guns should aim at the sides of the pillbox about 20 to 24 inches from the top, since the thickness of the armor there is only 1 inch. The most practical method of destroying these pillboxes is by point-blank fire from antitank or artillery guns. Since the field of fire is only 60 degrees, separate pillboxes may be destroyed by assault troops moving in on the vulnerable and unprotected sides and rear. As a rule, these pillboxes are used in groups, but, by neutralizing the supporting pillboxes, it is possible to isolate any particular one. When assault troops come up to these pillboxes, they should first clog the embrasure with earth and throw hand grenades at the trap door in the rear. If the crew refuses to surrender, the pillbox should be blown up. In attacks on these pillboxes, Molotov cocktails may be used against the periscope openings. If no explosives or gasoline bottles are available, stones or logs should be wedged against the door, to trap the occupants.

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