S-mine
The German S-mine (Schrapnellmine, Springmine or Splittermine in German), also known as the "Bouncing Betty" on the Western Front and "frog-mine" on the Eastern Front, is the best-known version of a class of mines known as bounding mines. When triggered, these mines are launched into the air and then detonated at about one metre (3 ft) from the ground. The explosion projects a lethal spray of shrapnel in all directions. The S-mine was an anti-personnel mine developed by Germany in the 1930s and used extensively by German forces during World War II. It was designed to be used in open areas against unshielded infantry. Two versions were produced, designated by the year of their first production: the SMi-35 and SMi-44. There are only minor differences between the two models.
| S-mine 35 | |
|---|---|
An American paratrooper demonstrates the process of removing a live S-mine. On the left is a Mark I trench knife. | |
| Type | bounding anti-personnel mine |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1935–1945 |
| Used by | Germany, Axis Powers, Finland, Viet Cong |
| Wars | World War II, Winter War, Continuation War, Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1935–1945 |
| No. built | 1,930,000+ |
| Variants | SMi-35, SMi-44 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.1 kg (9 lb 1 oz) |
| Height | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Diameter | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Filling | TNT |
| Filling weight | 182 g (6.4 oz) |
Detonation mechanism | Various, including: S.Mi.Z 35 (pressure), Z.Z.35 (pull), Z.U.Z.Z. (pull and tension), E.S.Mi.Z (pressure and electric) |
The S-mine entered production in 1935 and served as a key part of the defensive strategy of the Third Reich. Until production ceased in 1945, Germany produced over 1.93 million S-mines. These mines inflicted heavy casualties and slowed, or even repelled, drives into German-held territory throughout the war. The design was lethal, successful, and often imitated.