Mortar Gunner on the Eastern Front: A Detailed Account of Life Within the Red Army's Artillery Crews

Mortar Gunner on the Eastern Front Volume I: From the Moscow Winter Offensive to Operation Zitadelle

by Hans Heinz Rehfeldt

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18586 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	343 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The mortar gunner was a vital member of the Red Army's artillery crews during World War II. Mortars were used to provide close support for infantry units, firing high-explosive shells at enemy positions. Mortar gunners were often called upon to fight in some of the most intense battles of the war, and their experiences were often harrowing.

This article will provide a detailed account of the life of a mortar gunner on the Eastern Front, exploring their daily routine, challenges, and experiences.

The Daily Routine of a Mortar Gunner

The daily routine of a mortar gunner was typically long and arduous. They would typically wake up at dawn and begin preparing for the day's operations. This involved cleaning and maintaining their weapons and equipment, as well as packing their supplies.

Once the preparations were complete, the mortar gunners would march to their firing positions. These positions were often located close to the front lines, and the gunners would often be under enemy fire.

The mortar gunners would then set up their weapons and begin firing at enemy positions. They would typically fire several rounds at a time, and then wait for the enemy to respond. If the enemy did not respond, the gunners would continue firing until they were ordered to stop.

The mortar gunners would typically spend the rest of the day in their firing positions, waiting for orders. They would often be subjected to enemy fire during this time, and they would often have to take cover.

At the end of the day, the mortar gunners would march back to their base camp. They would then clean and maintain their weapons and equipment, and prepare for the next day's operations.

The Challenges of Being a Mortar Gunner

Being a mortar gunner on the Eastern Front was a challenging and dangerous job. The gunners were often under enemy fire, and they had to be constantly aware of their surroundings. They also had to be able to operate their weapons effectively, and they had to be able to work well as a team.

The mortar gunners also faced a number of other challenges. They often had to endure long periods of time in the cold and wet, and they often had to go without food and water. They also had to deal with the constant threat of disease and infection.

Despite the challenges, the mortar gunners were a vital part of the Red Army's artillery crews. They played a key role in supporting the infantry, and they helped to ensure the victory of the Soviet Union in the war.

The Experiences of Mortar Gunners

The experiences of mortar gunners on the Eastern Front were often harrowing. They witnessed some of the most intense battles of the war, and they often saw their comrades killed or wounded. They also had to deal with the constant threat of death or capture.

Despite the horrors of war, the mortar gunners also experienced moments of camaraderie and friendship. They often formed close bonds with their fellow gunners, and they often shared stories and jokes to pass the time.

The mortar gunners also experienced moments of hope and optimism. They knew that they were fighting for a just cause, and they believed that they would eventually defeat the enemy.

The mortar gunner was a vital member of the Red Army's artillery crews during World War II. They played a key role in supporting the infantry, and they helped to ensure the victory of the Soviet Union in the war.

The experiences of mortar gunners on the Eastern Front were often harrowing, but they also experienced moments of camaraderie, friendship, and hope. Their story is a testament to the courage and resilience of the Soviet people during the war.

Mortar Gunner on the Eastern Front Volume I: From the Moscow Winter Offensive to Operation Zitadelle

by Hans Heinz Rehfeldt

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18586 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	343 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE