The 8cm GW34 (Granatwerfer 33, meaning grenade launcher model 1934) was a conventionally designed medium mortar. Mortar crews from other nations would find nothing strange or unusual about it when comparing it with their own weapons of the same type.

However, in the hands of an experienced crew the 8cm GW34 become the single most lethal weapon at the disposal of a German commander. German mortar crews gained almost mythic status among ally and enemy alike for their effectiveness.

Their reputation was boosted by the fact they had more opportunity to engage targets. It wasn’t that British and American crews were inferior, but by mid-war the Germans were on the defensive everywhere. That meant they were static while their opponents were advancing to contact, exposed to enemy fire. German mortar crews had ample experience to perfect this lethal trade.
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