Light mortars in DAK

[Amra]

Hi All, HNY
I have a basing question, can I put the 5cm mortars in my DAK 41-42 infantry squads ? I think it would  be just for the look as they're not in the units stats, correct?
I love the walking MG40 teams but I think they'd have to on separate MG bases ?
Cheers

[Orcs]

The German 5cm mortars ceased production in 1941 and by 1942 had been withdrawn from frontline service. So probably should not be included.

However if you want to include them to make your bases look nice then do so.  Certainly in BKC2 rules they are deemed to be part of the squad firepower and do not need to be represented. I do not Have BKC lV. so I am not sure about how they work in the later set.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

[paulr]

I love the walking MG40 teams but I think they'd have to on separate MG bases ?

Do you mean GRF48 DAK MG34 team (5)?


If so as each German squad had 2 MG34 teams you could certainly include some of these on your infantry stands

I would use GRF49 DAK MG42 team (3) for the separate MG bases as these are tripod mounted for sustained fire


Note I haven't played the BKC rules so the above is based on actual organisations

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Orcs - yes offically you are right, and the 50's should be replaced short 80mm mortars. But they were still in use in 45 by some units. As to organisation the mortars were cioncentrated at company level in a weapons section/platoon which had 3 x 50 or 2 80mm mortars and 2 SF MG's. German dioctrine called for rapid fire response and compoany mortars were considered to be the first line artillery response. It should be noted that a British test of the 50mm says it's too accurate for its job.

[Ithoriel]

I do as Paul suggests, GRF48 mixed in on infantry bases and pairs of GRF-49 for my MG stands.

Mortars I base in pairs on their own base.

[Amra]

Thanks everyone

Yes, Paul , I meant the MG34 ,thanks I'll add them to my infantry stands

Still not sure about the 5cm light mortars. I'm modelling the earlier DAK so I guess I can use them in infantry platoons

[John Cook]

The Afrika Korps certainly fielded 5cm mortars because by father acquired a 5cm mortar ammunition box in 1941 to which which he had a hinged lid added in Cairo.  He used it to carry his personal belongings in throughout the war and bought it home in 1946.  I use it to store tools in now.  Beautifully made thing lined with metal.

[Amra]

That's fantastic & perfect evidence,thanks