1. INTRODUCTION
In Italy the Germans have been using a mobile steel
pillbox, nicknamed the "Armored Crab," which made
its first appearance on the Russian front in 1943. This
pillbox (see figure) is mounted in an inverted position
on wheels, and usually is hauled by tractor to a
designated site, where it is overturned into a prepared
cavity. After this, the exposed upper half of the pillbox
(which is non-rotating) is camouflaged with rocks,
earth, or local vegetation.
The pillbox accommodates two men, and is armed an M.G. 42.
2. TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS
The following characteristics of the German mobile
steel pillbox are worth noting:
a. Dimensions
Overall height | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 6 ft 3 in |
Overall length | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 5 ft 10 in |
Overall width | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 5 ft 7 in |
Interior height | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 6 ft 1 in |
Interior length | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 5 ft 1/2 in |
Interior width | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 5 ft 3 in |
Door | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 1 ft 11 in by 1 ft 11 in |
Gun slit | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 3 in by 5 in |
Vision slit (front) | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 2 in by 5 in |
Openings for periscopes | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 4 in diameter |
Ventilation slit | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 8 1/4 in by 2 1/2 in |
b. Armor
Front | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 7 1/2 in |
Rear and sides | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 1 3/4 in |
Top | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 1 3/4 in |
Door | | . . . . . . . . . . | | 1 in |
|
German Mobile Steel Pillbox |
3. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES
In the front of the pillbox, there is a small embrasure
for the machine gun, with an observation peephole
above. When necessary, these openings are covered
outside by a heavy metal shield, which can be moved
either to the right or left of the embrasure by means of
a lever inside the pillbox. On top of the pillbox are two
collapsible periscopes, also regulated from the interior.
The entrance to the pillbox is a small door in the rear;
this is locked from the inside by means of two brackets.
The machine gun is mounted on a single bracket
mounting which allows a free horizontal traverse on a
semicircular grooved slide. The field of fire is 60
degrees. Elevation and depression, which are limited, are
accomplished by a small handle to the left of the
machine gun.
Forward of the machine-gun trigger, there is a
leather cover to channel off the gases from the gun and
also to receive spent cartridges. Attached to the cover
is a metal tube. In turn, this tube is connected to a
metal box fastened to the floor. The gases are expelled
by a small fan situated beside the metal box. The fan
is operated by two small foot pedals, one on each side
of the pillbox. Each pedal may be worked independently. Air
is expelled through a slit above, and to the right of, the
door. Fresh air enters through a vent in the ceiling.
Two folding seats are provided for the crew. There are
two iron rungs which serve as steps to facilitate entering
and leaving. Two leather straps are hung from the
ceiling, near the periscope openings.
At the rear of the pillbox, and near the top, there are
two holes into which steel bars may be inserted to lift
the pillbox on and off its trailer. When these holes are
not in use, they are closed by metal plugs.
Ammunition is stored on shelves below the machine gun, in
the forward part of the pillbox. There are also two boxes
for tools and spare parts for the gun. Space is provided
for a field telephone.
4. HOW THE RUSSIANS COMBAT IT
The following is a paraphrase of a Red Army discussion
of the best methods of combatting the German mobile steel pillbox:
Inasmuch as only a small portion of the pillbox may show
above ground level, the installation may be somewhat difficult
to detect. Thorough reconnaissance is necessary. The pillbox
can best be detected by the outline of its embrasure, its
periscopes, and its flue pipe, and by flash and powder smoke when
the machine gun is fired.
Riflemen or mortar squads should demolish the periscopes,
thus leaving the crew without means of observation, apart
from the embrasure peephole. Rifle fire should be aimed at
the embrasure. In a number of captured pillboxes,
armor-piercing rifle bullets had made holes in the lower half (the
walls of the base). Obviously, such fire is possible only if this
portion has been uncovered by artillery or if it was not completely
covered with earth when the pillbox was emplaced. Antitank guns
should aim at the sides of the pillbox about 20
to 24 inches from the top, since the thickness of the armor
there is only 1 inch. The most practical method of destroying
these pillboxes is by point-blank fire from antitank or
artillery guns.
Since the field of fire is only 60 degrees, separate pillboxes
may be destroyed by assault troops moving in on the vulnerable
and unprotected sides and rear. As a rule, these pillboxes
are used in groups, but, by neutralizing the supporting pillboxes, it
is possible to isolate any particular one.
When assault troops come up to these pillboxes, they should first
clog the embrasure with earth and throw hand grenades
at the trap door in the rear. If the crew refuses to surrender,
the pillbox should be blown up. In attacks on these pillboxes, Molotov
cocktails may be used against the periscope openings. If no
explosives or gasoline bottles are available, stones or logs
should be wedged against the door, to trap the occupants.