Printable View
Although my area of interest is WWI both the MG08 and MG08/15 were modified for Reichswehr inter-war period usage. Members might find this thread useful as although the German Armed Forces introduced some vey capable MGs leading up to and during WWII, these modified old WWI guns were still in service.
---------- Post added at 11:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 PM ----------
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...8b8460c7-1.jpg
Although the aa set up for the inter war MG08 looks impressive it was from reports not very practical. Either the 100 rd trommel was fitted whilst the gunner did his bit, but of cse 100 rds do not last long, or the 250 rd belt was used with the feeder having to feed and move at the same time as the 'rotating' gun/gunner! The modifications to the standard WWI gun are:
1. Different steam tube attachment.
2. Anti Aircraft stem and sights fitted to the water jacket and top cover.
3. Trommel attachments fitted.
4. Different rear squeeze trigger assembly and butt stock attachment.
5. Adapted feedblock for cloth and metal belts.
6. Several modifications to the sled along with AA Pole/bracket.
There were also modifications the inter-war MG08/15.
Has anybody seen an inter-war example of either in Canada?
Mark
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...78ea581d-1.jpg
---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...333f280f-1.jpg
Post WWI ex-Imperial German Army MG08 and sled taken into Belgian Army service. A few countries placed into service thousands of WWI captured weapons and adapted accordingly.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...a9f6c84b-1.jpg
---------- Post added at 12:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:46 AM ----------
In use 1940!
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...2b794759-1.jpg
---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 AM ----------
Although there are images of its use by the German Army in invading Poland etc, it was very much a second/third line weapon by then, and became either static defence in occupied cities or adapted for fortification/coastal defence.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...f8680e5a-1.jpg
Not quite inter-war adapted but a post 1919 Freikorps image.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...20e08d5e-1.jpg
Looks like quite a load there! What is the rate of fire on one of these?
Thank You MG1918 for sharing those awesome pic's!
So on the carry position pic I have to ask,
How much weight is that guy hauling?
Thanks
Semper Fi
Phil
The rate of fire is limited like most weapons by the 'feeding' so for these they used 250 rounds per belt. The rate was therefore considered as 500 rds per minute. There are no reports or evidence that the Germans stitched 250 rd belts together in order to make a one single longer belt. Of course as these are water cooled and barrel wear then for extended periods they could cope with prolonged firing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger
Mark
---------- Post added at 11:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:30 PM ----------
The inter-war adapted gun and sled had additional add-ons so was heavier than the WWI versions. Anyway the individual if carrying the sled and gun, no drum either is looking at 'manually transporting' around 64 kg! This weight was supported as in that image by 2 small shoulder pads and a wooden block for the back. Even under normal conditions this is not comfortable.....Quote:
Originally Posted by AZPhil
Mark
Good view of the adapted MG08 in AA config but on the inter-war dreifuss.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...dca68b0e-1.jpg
The pads and wood 'plate'.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...07a1f590-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...d23baaf2-1.jpg
Attachment 60304
Inter-war 08/15 with rarely seen bipod attachment to the front of the water jacket.
I found this old thread that is the perfect place to post a few pictures of my inter-war MG08 squeeze trigger. I got it many, many, years ago from a fellow in Paris France. It works just fine.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SN150071-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SN150070-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SN150068-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SN150067-1.jpg
Long neglected thread on the adapted MG08 and 08/15 post WWI.
Attachment 115136Attachment 115135Attachment 115137
Many more photos on The Soldier's Burden/www.trenchfighter.com
Re-submission of the lost imagery.
Attachment 123994Attachment 123995Attachment 123996
Post #34, both guns have their anti aircraft sight on the side. Not something you see often, must be between war feature?
Attachment 137508More on the inter-war German MGs, not just the MG08. Both the 08 and 08/15 were modified after WWI.
Jim yes a standard inter war mod including the actual sight stem placed on the water jacket. Images to follow.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Mark
With the sight stored on the side of the receiver I can see how they would just disappear. I saw a sight that was recovered from a dig and now I can see how it go there in the first place.Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1918