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New lanes were set periodically and old ones closed. Clear lanes were left open for patrols to transit, and passage lanes for assault troops. The density of a minefield depended on the interval set between mines and the number of rows used. Spaces between mines were determined by reference to the marks on the wire and four rings on one end used to set rows. This measuring wire, in addition to measuring the distance between fixed points, served to lay out right angles by staking out a triangle with sides of six, eight, and 10 meters, respectively. For measuring distances, a mine-measuring wire 24 meters long was used, with meter increments marked off and with five-inch-diameter rings on the ends of the wire. Pressure-type antitank and antipersonnel mines were laid in lines. Mines also were laid in lines running out at right angles from the forward edge of the minefield in order to damage vehicles moving along the field in search of lanes. These acted as both antitank and antipersonnel mines and discouraged the use of metal detectors to locate the mines.ДЇorward of most fields, and particularly in front of clear lanes, mines might be found widely spaced or scattered at random in unmarked groups. In addition, the forward edge of minefields were often sown with explosive charges placed in wooden boxes fitted with pressure fuses. In turn, a number of antitank mines would be laid at the forward edge of an antipersonnel minefield to prevent armored vehicles from detonating the main belt of antipersonnel mines. Both types of mines might be fitted with antilifting or antihandling devices intended to cause the mine to detonate if an attempt was made to remove it, and some of the antipersonnel mines would also have trip wires attached. The main fields or belts of antitank mines were laid in a uniform pattern with a sprinkling of antipersonnel mines at the forward edge of the field. There, they dispersed the mines irregularly in the areas between defensive positions. To assure the greatest possible effect, minefields normally were laid out in patterns, but there were exceptions to this practice in sectors where the Germans did not intend to undertake offensive actions.

These reference points would be used to determine the locations of ditches, trenches, obstacles, and pillboxes as well as minefields.

#THIS WAR OF MINE GAME BOX SERIES#

The Germans believed it was advantageous to lay a continuous series of reference points 600 to 900 feet apart, through a division sector. Distances were measured in meters and azimuth readings were taken by compass. Such a fixed point could be reestablished easily after heavy shelling was received.В Fixed points could also be reference points found on a map. The corner points and the fixed point itself would be marked by stakes, rails, concrete or steel girders about three feet in length and connected with barbed wire. A type of auxiliary fixed point that proved practicable was the center of an equilateral triangle with sides 15 to 25 feet long. In some instances, however, the Germans were forced to use guide wires and auxiliary fixed points. They were instructed to choose reference points for minefields that could be identified easily, such as near a railroad grade crossing, at road intersections, or at the edge of a village. German engineers believed it necessary to survey the location of minefields and individual mines within the fields.

German doctrine for minefield location was modified during the war so that, instead of laying dense minefields in front of the main line of resistance, as had been the practice, mines were dispersed.

In a static situation the Germans regarded minefields as an element of frontline positions, laid out according to an overall mine plan developed in close conjunction with fields of fire.

Minefields were used chiefly to cover defensive operations and retreats. German commanders considered the land mine a very effective defensive weapon and so went to great lengths to make extensive use of it. (You can read more about the personal stories behind the statistics of the Second World War inside the pages of WWII History magazine.) Army in Europe recorded that mines were responsible for 2.5 percent of combat fatalities and for 20.7 percent of tank losses. In a single minefield they found 12,000 mines made out of Bakelite or wood, which made them impossible to locate with metal detectors. In one incident toward the end of 1944, American soldiers came across nonmetal mines in Lorraine, France. The Wehrmact employed others, too, to great effect during the Second World War. German Teller mines were insidious weapons-killing or maiming thousands of Allied soldiers and civilians.

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