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"Rules for Laying Tellermines" from Intelligence Bulletin, September 1943

[Intelligence Bulletin Cover]  
This U.S. military report on German methods of laying minefields is taken from the September 1943 issue of the Intelligence Bulletin. Tellermines were the primary type of German antitank mines used in WWII.

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department Intelligence Bulletin publication. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

 
RULES FOR LAYING TELLERMINES

The following extracts are from German Army regulations covering the laying of Tellermine fields:

The laying of Teller-mines in open terrain will be influenced by the tactical purpose of the minefield, the nature of the terrain, the weather, the light conditions, the amount of time available, and the number of mines available.

Minefields are to be incorporated in the fire plan. Inasmuch as it is highly important that centers of resistance be established, it is advisable to lay several individual minefields, each having a narrow front and considerable depth, than to lay a continuous minefield of little depth.

Individual T-mine fields (company, platoon, and squad) are local minefields which, even under enemy action, are laid for a precise tactical purpose, according to the disposition of the company, platoon, or squad. As far as possible, they will be camouflaged. Unconcealed laying will be done only under exceptional circumstances—for example, when time is very limited or when there is an extreme shortage of manpower.

Continuous (as opposed to individual) T-mine fields are extensive fields, broken only by gaps and lanes for reconnaissance patrols, and are generally laid when hostile forces are not active. Continuous T-mine fields are always concealed and camouflaged.

The tactical situation and the supply of mines can modify the density of a minefield. This applies to camouflaged and uncamouflaged minefields, individual minefields, and continuous minefields.

 

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