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Unknown British Airborne weapon


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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?

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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?

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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?

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13 minutes ago, Warts 'n' all said:

This is the best photo I can find showing the strap attached.   

Airborne Mortar.jpg

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!

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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

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