British G.S. Mk. IV Anti-tank Mine

Italian soldiers collecting captured British Mk. IV anti-tank mines.

The Anti-Tank Mine, General Service, Mark IV (or Mk 4 mine) was a British anti-tank mine used during WWII (World War II). Externally the mine has a cylindrical main body filled with explosive either TNT or Baratol. The mine is covered by a pressure plate, which is attached to the mine body by four pins which sit in vertical slots in clips that fold up from the bottom of the mine. The mine uses the shear-pin based Contact Mine Fuze No.3 Mk I. The fuze consists simply of a spring-loaded striker pin restrained by a shear pin. Sufficient pressure on the pressure plate presses the plate down on the head of the fuze, breaking the shear wire and releasing the striker, which is driven into the detonator by the striker spring.

Diameter: 8 in.

Height: 5 in.

Total weight: 12.5 lbs.

Explosive weight: 8.25 lbs.

Explosive: TNT or Baratol

Material: Steel 

Color: Khaki-green

Fuze: Mine, contact, A/T, No. 3 Mk I. 

Pressure required: 350 lbs. 

Use: Defense against armored cars, tanks, and other vehicles. Disable tanks and vehicles.

Components

The G.S. Mk IV mine has three principal components: the loaded mine body, the pressure plate, and the fuze. The pressure plate covers the entire top of the mine and is attached to the mine body by four pins which engage in four slots in metal clips attached to the body. During normal shipment and storage, adhesive tape binds the pressure plate to the mine body.

Mine Body

The mine body is cylindrical in shape and contains a central well for the insertion of the fuze. Between the central well and the outside casing of the mine is located the explosive main charge.

Fuze, Mine, Contact, A/T, No. 3 Mk I

This fuze operates on the shear pin principle, and consists merely of a spring-loaded striker retained by a shear wire. Below the striker is located a percussion cap and detonator inserted in two CE booster pellets. All components, striker mechanism, cap and detonator, and booster, are contained in the fuze body. Pressure on the pressure plate forces the striker through the shear wire, and the striker through the shear wire, and the striker spring then forces the striker into the percussion cap, firing the mine.

Assembly and Arming

Remove the adhesive tape binding the pressure plate to the mine body, and then remove the pressure plate. Place mine in the ground and remove the paper seal over fuze well. Inspect fuze to make certain shear pin is in position, the insert the fuze and re-move the safety pin. Replace the pressure plate.

Caution: Do not use force when attempting to remove safety pin; if it does not come away easily, discard the fuze and use another.

Neutralization: To neutralize this mine, remove the pressure plate and insert a safety pin hole in the striker. Remove fuze from fuze well. Lift the mine from the ground and replace the pressure plate.

Remarks: If mine is to be re-used, inspect the fuze to make certain that the shear pin is in position and not cut or partially cut.

G.S. Mk. IV Anti-tank Mine.