1. IMPROVISED BANGALORE TORPEDOES

Besides employing a standard Bangalore torpedo, the Germans make considerable use of improvised versions. The materials used in constructing weapons of this type depend entirely on local resources, while the method of construction follows one of two general principles:

a. The tubular model, which is not built to any particular dimensions, utilizes any convenient length of piping, such as a drain pipe or metal water pipe. The pipe is filled with explosive, and each end is plugged with a piece of wood or any other suitable material that may be at hand. A detonator and a length of safety fuze are fitted to one end.

b. The other version consists of a plank, or any convenient length of timber. At one end a number of charges are laid side by side. The exact number depends on the task to be performed. These charges are fastened to the plank by means of wire or stout cord. A detonator and a safety fuze are attached to the charge at the far end. A typical example is a specimen which was captured recently; it consisted of a plank, 6½ feet by 1½ inches by 1 inch, to which 15 ½-pound (approx.) slabs of TNT had been tied. These were to be detonated by means of a detonator and a length of safety fuze that would give a delay of 30 seconds.

2. NEW ARMY CAP

The adoption of a standard field cap (Einheitsmütze) for the German Army has been ordered (see fig. 3). The cap, which resembles that worn by U.S. railroad men, will replace the former German garrison ("overseas") cap. If the visor interferes with the handling of weapons or equipment, the cap will be worn back to front. Units wearing a black field uniform will wear a black cap. Generals' caps will have gold cord around the top; all other officers' caps will have silver cord around the top.