RMM Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 Am playing Lonsdale Force scenario, and am seeing a mortar round depicted in the weapons field for most of the British Airborne Sections, and in the ammo section, I see approx 8 x 51mm Smoke rounds. What is this? A 51mm mortar with just some smoke rounds? Never heard of such a thing in the airborne arsenal. If a mortar, then I would presume said individual would have to be outside to fire it, right? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkerner Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 It’s a pretty common 2in mortar, with a little better range than a rifle grenade. Standard issue for British HQs, and maybe others?. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 Just now, mjkerner said: It’s a pretty common 2in mortar, with a little better range than a rifle grenade. Standard issue for British HQs, and maybe others?. Granted in that I see the 2in(51mm) mortars along with all attendant ammo, including HE in separate sections, which was common, but why only the smoke ammo when part of a larger section? Ok, so it is another 2in mortar then. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warts 'n' all Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 The airborne had their own version of the 2inch mortar specifically for the purpose of firing smoke or flare rounds, I assume for indicating their position to follow up waves. It had a fabric strap attached so that it could be worn around the body. I don't know how it is modelled in game but would suspect that it appears the same as the standard mortar. I also think that glider borne troops such as the South Staffordshires would have been equipped with the basic infantry mortar, rather than the parachute version. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 Just now, Warts 'n' all said: The airborne had their own version of the 2inch mortar specifically for the purpose of firing smoke or flare rounds, I assume for indicating their position to follow up waves. It had a fabric strap attached so that it could be worn around the body. I don't know how it is modelled in game but would suspect that it appears the same as the standard mortar. I also think that glider borne troops such as the South Staffordshires would have been equipped with the basic infantry mortar, rather than the parachute version. Ahh ok. I do see said units can target smoke, like any other To-Hit weapon. Alright, that explains it then. Tks guys 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warts 'n' all Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 Just a quick follow up. It shows how long it is since I played "Lonsdale's Block", I had forgotten that it is actually modelled being fired from the shoulder. And that smoke can be fired from inside a building. Also, the mortarman carries a Sten which comes in handy when the close combat kicks off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 8 hours ago, Warts 'n' all said: Just a quick follow up. It shows how long it is since I played "Lonsdale's Block", I had forgotten that it is actually modelled being fired from the shoulder. And that smoke can be fired from inside a building. Also, the mortarman carries a Sten which comes in handy when the close combat kicks off. Ah hah. Now that is good info indeed! Thanks When you say 'modelled', you're referring to if one were to zoom in on the actual soldier? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warts 'n' all Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 8 minutes ago, RMM said: When you say 'modelled', you're referring to if one were to zoom in on the actual soldier? Yes, that's right. And I think that it looks great. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 2 minutes ago, Warts 'n' all said: Yes, that's right. And I think that it looks great. I will be zooming in to take a look next time, I'm in the scenario! So what actual weapon is this based on then? I'm familiar with the 2in mortar, but shoulder-fired? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warts 'n' all Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 This is the best photo I can find showing the strap attached. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 13 minutes ago, Warts 'n' all said: This is the best photo I can find showing the strap attached. And this was shoulder-fired? I'm just wondering because of the notorious, Japanese 'knee mortar' whose nomenclature was initially responsible for many a US Marine's femur! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 Most certainly not. The strap is just for carrying. The rest is a spade for firing from the ground. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 33 minutes ago, SimpleSimon said: Most certainly not. The strap is just for carrying. The rest is a spade for firing from the ground. Makes sense, thanks. Good to know it can, nonetheless be fired from inside a building though 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warts 'n' all Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 My understanding is that could be fired both ways. If it couldn't then BFC wasted a lot of man hours with their modelling. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyD Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 The Japanese had a similar weapon (50mm) called a 'knee mortar'. I recall reading that the occasional G.I. would take the name too literally, place it on his knee to fire, and break his leg. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erwin Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 23 minutes ago, MikeyD said: place it on his knee to fire, and break his leg. A good way to get sent out of the hellish combat zone. Maybe not that dumb a move. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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