Mobile steel pilbox

Robert Hurst · Post by **Robert Hurst** » 26 Mar 2004 11:27

Hi

Whilst flicking through a copy of Purnells History of the Second World War, I across this picture of a German mobile steel pillbox being examined by British troops in Italy. Therefore I would be most grateful if anyone can give me any information with regards to this type of pillbox.

Regards

Bob

Xavier · Post by **Xavier** » 26 Mar 2004 15:49

I have seen them before, but this is the first one with a big artillery piece.

others I have seen, were just for observation, round cupola, with observation slits, mounted on wheeled carriage..

If you are interested, will search my books and post a link to a pic on monday.

regards

Xavier
Instandsetzungtruppfuhrer

Navy · Post by **Navy** » 26 Mar 2004 18:50

This is not an artillery. This is the axel which is used as a lever.
Armed with an MG 34. Crew: 2, Weight: ~ 1400kg
It was called "MG-Panzernest"

Navy

Christian Ankerstjerne · Post by **Christian Ankerstjerne** » 26 Mar 2004 19:51

I have seen several kinds of tehse mobile pillboxes, some of which date quite far back. The idea is good as such, but with more powerful and accurate infantry-carried weapons, I don't think there was any point after WWI...

CHristian

Robert Hurst · Post by **Robert Hurst** » 27 Mar 2004 11:57

Hi

Thanks guys for the info.

Regards

Bob

herring · Post by **herring** » 21 Apr 2004 12:41

They worked very well in specific conditions, e.g. in in mountain area. Considered very dangerous and effective in battle of Monte Cassino (Gustav Line).

jopaerya · Post by **jopaerya** » 11 Oct 2007 16:21

Hello All

Here a photo from a Panzernest in use and some drawing
from a Russian manual about German fortifications and as
last from Lone Sentry com .

Regards Jos

P.S. Please see also picture 7 and 33
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... panzernest

herring · Post by **herring** » 11 Oct 2007 19:29

Very nice pictures. The first one and number 33 - I've never seen them before. On the first one - isn't that a manufacturer's sign left of the entrance? Does anybody know this maker?

regards
herring

AvB · Post by **AvB** » 12 Oct 2007 12:24

Yes it's Hörder Verein.

Manuferey · Post by **Manuferey** » 12 Oct 2007 22:05

There is an extensive description of the mobile steel pillbox from “Handbook on German Military Forces – US War Department – 15 March 1945”. New edition of 1990 by “Louisiana State University Press”.

Technical excerpts:
- Armor thickness: 2 inches (51 mm) at the sides and top to 5 inches (127 mm) at the aperture
- Armor thickness of the bottom half (normally installed below ground): ¾ inch (19 mm)
- Empty weight: 6955 lbs (3161 kg)
- MG’s arc of fire: 45 degrees approx.

Emmanuel

jopaerya · Post by **jopaerya** » 29 Feb 2008 22:13

Hello All

Here a other Panzernest this one is Russia .

Photo = Ebay.de

Regards Jos

herring · Post by **herring** » 03 Mar 2008 10:21

Who can read the place? Isj.... bei Donez???

regards
herring

TH · Post by TH » 03 Mar 2008 10:56

I'd say Isjum.
According to Wikipedia, Isjum is a city in the Ukraine and it's also close to the Donez.

herring · Post by **herring** » 27 Aug 2008 22:56

And don't we have over here a prototype of Panzernest? Picture dated july 1942, FHQ Vinnitsa, Ukraine.
I'd say a prototype, because of exhaust air cover - made from a kind of steel sheet, instead of a casted one in the production.

In the back of a top picture you can see a blueprints of the panzernest exposed to the public !!

In my opinion - very interesting picture.

source: http://bpkgate.picturemaxx.com/

jopaerya · Post by **jopaerya** » 29 Aug 2008 06:43

Hello Herring

Nice to see that site that nearly every new weapon was proved and controlled by Hitler himself .

Regards Jos

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Mobile steel pilbox

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