50mm Brandt mortar model 1937, seeking info/photos

[Ardee]

I am trying to find out how the 50mm Brandt mortar model 1937 ( http://www.worldwar2.ro/arme/?article=450 ) was used by the Romanians in WWII. I am also trying to find a picture of it being used by Romanians.

The only pictures of this weapon-in-use that I have found are by French recon troops, wearing the helmet used by French tank men. I found next to no information on how the French used it. With Front line troops as a standard light mortar? Or did just recon troops use it?

With the Romanians, I have been unable to even find a picture of it in use. By the time Romania enter the war, 50mm mortars were starting to fall out of favor with several nations, because they weren't powerful enough. Romania, of course, lacked resources -- but did they use this as a front line weapon? Or just for training? Or just for recon troops, or something similar? does anyone have any information/pictures?

[Gothard]

http://www.slcmaquettes.com/nouveau_fichier84.html

Take a look at this Photo - I'm no expert but the Helmet looks decidedly Romanian

heres the photo link. Its a french site Im afraid but like i said I think its a romanian manning the weapon.



http://www.slcmaquettes.com/images/beutkan...rW%20203(f).jpg

Sorry - Frenchman. He has a shoulder badge i hadnt noticed earlier

This post has been edited by Gothard on December 03, 2006 10:37 am

[Ardee]

Yes, that is a French helmet -- I forget the designation and am too lazy to look it up at the moment -- of the type that was used by French armour troops, such as I mentioned. I didn't have that particular image, however, so thanks foringing it to my attention!

Still hoping someone has info on Romanian usage, and a pic...?

This post has been edited by Ardee on December 04, 2006 12:33 am

[Ardee]

I am still looking for photos and info!

Interestingly, a forum on France in 1940 indicated that this mortar -- actually a grenade launcher -- had only "just" enter production, and only small numbers had been issued. If accurate, I'd say that precludes the Rumanians from having bought them from the French -- that they must have been German war booty. It would therefore also seem likely the Romanians also had limited quantities of the weapon...perhaps it was only used in training, and never issued to front-line troops? Does anybody have any information on the use of these weapons?