The following intelligence report on German ammunition salvage was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 7, Sept. 10, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. 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.]

GERMAN AMMUNITION SALVAGE A new plan by the German army for reclaiming used metal is reported in a recent captured document. Salvaging of empty cartridge cases, belonging both to small arms and machine guns, is being encouraged by the inducement of cash payments for such deliveries. The method appears comparatively simple. The division ammunition supply depots issue the receipts. Corps ammunition dumps act as the receivers. The latter pack the collected empties in bulk and send them along to the corps ammunition depot designated. A certificate also is sent to the effect that no live ammunition has been included. The shipping cases are provided with sealing strips carrying: 1. The serial number 2. Contents 3. Unit stamp 4. Signature of ammunition supply depot commander. Attention is called to the fact that particular care must be taken to return empties from all weapons, as well as the corresponding packing materials.

Back to Articles by Subject | Intel Bulletin by Issue | T&TT by Issue | Home Page