The Anti-Tank Mine, General Service, Mk V was a cylindrical, metal-cased United Kingdom anti-tank blast mine that entered service in 1943, during the Second World War.[2] [3] It was replaced in British service with the Mk 7 mine. Two versions of the mine were produced, the Mk. V and the Mk. VC with the same external dimensions. The only difference was that the Mk. VC had a half-sized explosive charge.

Anti Tank Mine. G.S. Mark V
Mark V GS Mines, about to be laid in Egypt, 2 July 1942
Typeanti-tank mine
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
WarsWorld War II
Production history
Variants
  • Mine G.S. Mk V
  • Mine G.S. Mk VC
Specifications
Mass
  • 12.5 pounds (5.7 kg), Mk. V
  • 8 pounds (3.6 kg), Mk. VC
[1]
Height4 inches (100 mm)
Diameter8 inches (200 mm)[1]

FillingTNT or Baratol[1]
Filling weight
  • 8.25 pounds (3.74 kg), Mk. V
  • 4 pounds (1.8 kg), Mk. VC
[1]
Detonation
mechanism
Pressure activated, shear-pin fuze (350 pounds (160 kg) of pressure)

The mine used a spider pressure plate that makes it resistant to blast overpressure. The spider rests on a central Mk 3 fuse (sometimes referred to as No.3 Mk I), which contains a spring-loaded striker held in place by a shear pin. The mine, being made largely of steel tended to rust making its activation unpredictable.

It is found in Angola, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Mozambique, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

Variants

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  • Mine G.S. Mk VC (general service version)
  • Mine G.S. Mk V

References

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Citations
  1. ^ a b c d Ordnance Pamphlet 1665 (1946) p.402
  2. ^ "USNBD, British Landmines, Fuzes and firing Devices; Section I - A/Tk Mines & Fuzes: A/Tk Mine G.S. Mk V". michaelhiske.de. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  3. ^ "British Mines of the Second World War". www.wwiiequipment.com. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
Bibliography
  • British Explosive Ordnance (PDF) (Report). Ordnance Pamphlet. Department of the Navy, Ordnance Systems Command. 10 June 1946. OCLC 51810278. NAVORD OP 1665. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016.
  • Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
  • NAVORD OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance, Naval Ordnance Systems Command (Updated 1970)