Label
The Italian Army's Brixia was regarded as one of the most needlessly complicated mortar designs used by any of the Second World War combatants. It embodied a number of novel features including a magazine holding ten propelling cartridges and a gas port for varying the range. The rounds were hand-fed singly into an open breech, and closing the breech would automatically load a cartridge. The mounting was also complex and incorporated the traverse and elevation controls, whilst the gunner's seat doubled a back rest when the mortar and mount were folded for carrying. Although the weapon had a high rate of fire and was very accurate, the light bomb (weighing about 16oz) was relatively ineffective due to poor fragmentation. Some were also used by German troops in North Africa and Italy, where they were designated 4.5cm Granatwerfer 176 (i).
Physical description
mortar This 45mm calibre mortar is a smooth-bore, breech-loading, trigger-operated weapon, normally operated by a crew of two. The bomb is hand-loaded, and propelled by a cartridge from a chamber located on top of the receiver. Calibre: 45 mm (1.77 in); weight (complete with tripod): 35 lbs; maximum range: 585 yds; minimum range: 350 yds; maximum capacity: 10 cartridges; weight of shell: 16oz
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