Id - German leitstand?

Natter · Post by **Natter** » 06 Aug 2020 20:22

I got these two random screengrabs from a Wochenschau, but the provider couldn't remember which edition they came from.

Questions:
* Does anyone have an idea of the film# or dates?
* What are we looking at (I have my own theory - hence the search for the full film, but maybe someone will know for sure)?

ROLAND1369 · Post by **ROLAND1369** » 07 Aug 2020 03:07

The first picture is the giveaway. The german operator is sighting down a controlled Minefield detonation board. This plus the narrow view slits make this a Mine control bunker.

Natter · Post by **Natter** » 07 Aug 2020 03:33

The equipment does not resemble any german controlled minesystem that I know of, but in theory it could be an option - some captured systemes were in use (Norway).

The single operator, lack of plotting board (or appearent communication equipment in case of cross-aiming by use of two observation posts), and especially the adjustable sight does not suggest this being a minefield though.

Hopefully someone with actual knowledge can verify, or at least point me to the wochenschau in question: Seeing the full film might give more information, or some context for my main suspicion (or rather "wishful thinking").

ROLAND1369 · Post by **ROLAND1369** » 07 Aug 2020 04:03

If you look in the "Report on German Sea Coast Defenses, chap 7 Underwater Defenses" you will find pictures and a description of one location of a controlled mine bunker. The construction of these systems was decentralized and I am not surprised that those in Norway are different. This one is not exactly alike but the observation board, the one with the wheel in the view slit, is similar. I am still convinced this is a controlled mine bunker.

ROLAND1369 · Post by **ROLAND1369** » 10 Aug 2020 15:38

If you look at the picture you will note a small metal box on the lower right which is labeled "battery box" and appears to match the dimensions of the box which the operator in the first two pictures has his hand in.

ROLAND1369 · Post by **ROLAND1369** » 11 Aug 2020 15:43

Re: Id - German leitstand? #3 Post 07 Aug 2020, 04:33 . Natter I would be interested in viewing any photos of the ex German systems in Norway. I to have an interest in controlled Minefields of WW II. I have studied and presented papers on Japanese, German, and US controlled mines but the system I have quoted from the Seacoast Evaluation board is the only German system that I have found documentation on.