INTRODUCTION
In Italy the Germans have been using a mobile steel pillbox,
nicknamed the "Armored Crab," which made its first appearance on the
Russian front in 1943. This pillbox (see figure) is mounted in an inverted
position on wheels, and usually is hauled by tractor to a designated site,
where it is overturned into a prepared cavity. After this, the exposed upper
half of the pillbox (which is non-rotating) is camouflaged with rocks, earth,
or local vegetation.
DESCRIPTIVE NOTES
In the front of the pillbox, there is a small embrasure for
the machine gun, with an observation peephole above. When necessary, these
openings are covered outside by a heavy metal shield, which can be moved either
to the right or left of the embrasure by means of a lever inside the pillbox.
On top of the pillbox are two collapsible periscopes, also regulated from the
interior. The entrance to the pillbox is a small door in the rear; this is
locked from the inside by means of two brackets.
The machine gun is mounted on a single bracket mounting
which allows a free horizontal traverse on a semicircular grooved slide. The
field of fire is 60 degrees. Elevation and depression, which are limited, are
accomplished by a small handle to the left of the machine gun.
Forward of the machine-gun trigger, there is a leather cover
to channel off the gases from the gun and also to receive spent cartridges.
Attached to the cover is a metal tube. In turn, this tube is connected to a
metal box fastened to the floor. The gases are expelled by a small fan situated
beside the metal box. The fan is operated by two small foot pedals, one on each
side of the pillbox. Each pedal may be worked independently. Air is expelled
through a slit above, and to the right of, the door. Fresh air enters through a
vent in the ceiling.
Two folding seats are provided for the crew. There are two
iron rungs which serve as steps to facilitate entering and leaving. Two leather
straps are hung from the ceiling, near the periscope openings.
At the rear of the pillbox, and near the top, there are two
holes into which steel bars may be inserted to lift the pillbox on and off its
trailer. When these holes are not in use, they are closed by metal plugs.
Ammunition is stored on shelves below the machine gun, in
the forward part of the pillbox. There are also two boxes for tools and spare
parts for the gun. Space is provided for a field telephone.
The pillbox accommodates two men, and is armed an M.G. 42.
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