The 5 cm leichter Granatwerfer 36 was developed by Rheinmetall, beginning in 1934. The mortar was intended as a means of tackling pockets of resistance which lay beyond the range of hand-thrown grenades, and entered service in 1936. In terms of its intended role, it is directly comparable to that of the British 2" (5.08 cm) and French 5 cm mortars.
Unlike the British 2", the Granatwerfer 36 was soon deemed to offer an ineffective solution and production of both mortar and its rounds had ceased by 1943. Ironically, the Germans preferred to rely on captured French 5 cm mortars as a replacement; the Granatwerfer 36 now being relegated to use by only second-line troops. Prior to the cessation of production, 31,800 mortars and 22,112,000 rounds were produced. Costing 400 RM* each, the mortar was to be operated by a crew of three.
Unlike the British 2", the Granatwerfer 36 was soon deemed to offer an ineffective solution and production of both mortar and its rounds had ceased by 1943. Ironically, the Germans preferred to rely on captured French 5 cm mortars as a replacement; the Granatwerfer 36 now being relegated to use by only second-line troops. Prior to the cessation of production, 31,800 mortars and 22,112,000 rounds were produced. Costing 400 RM* each, the mortar was to be operated by a crew of three.
The most obvious drawback, apart from the complex construction and overall cost, was the size of the actual mortar; it would be cumbersome to transport in the field, especially when compared to the British 2". Despite the numbers produced, they are rarely encountered and as with all things German, command high prices. The museum does, however, have this single high-explosive round.
*400 RM was approximately £32 in 1936. Today the cost would be the equivalent of £2,275. A skilled tradesman in 1936 would expect to work for 22 days in order earn £32.