The German Army developed and employed more mine fuzed than any other army in the world. Twenty-three of the 36 standard mines employed by the Germans in World War II used specifically designed fuzes. Twenty-eight fuzes were designed especially for use in mines. In addition, the Germans had at least 15 models of fuze lighters and grenade fuzes, 12 models of fuzes designed for the detonation of large charges but occasionally used with mines, and two remote-control detonating devices. Because of the large num-ber and variety of German fuzes, this manual discusses each type of fuze in a separate section according to the initiating action necessary to start the fuze functioning (par. 4). Mechanical, electrical, and chemical fuzes are discussed in that order within each section.

At the end of World War II the Germans were experimenting with, or had produced, non-battle-tested mine fuzes of types differing from those that had already been employed in battle. Some of these types are –

a. Friction Pressure Fuze (Bossezünder). This type fuze consisted of a chemical mixture (potassium chlorate and sand with about 2 percent phosphorous and alcohol) contained in an aluminum cap pressed over a plastic case. A No. 8 nonelectric detonator fits in the threaded base of the case. The fuze was designed for use in improvised pressure mines.

b. Induction Fuzes. Induction fuzes are designed to close electric circuits after receiving magnetic impulses, radio signals, vibrations, or electronic impulses. Models of all the fore-going types of induction fuzes had been employed in combat by the Soviet with varying degrees of success. The Germans had never employed any of their models in combat, as far as is known.