German WW2 S Mine set. S.Mi.35 (Sprengen Mine 1935), (S-Mine & Schrapnellmine 35) anti-personnel mine
The S-mine, also known as the “Bouncing Betty,” was a German anti Personnel landmine developed in the 1930’s and used extensively in WW2.When triggered, the mine would be ejected about waist-high into the air by a small charge before its main explosive detonated, sending shrapnel in a deadly, horizontal spray. The S-mine was designed to be effective in open areas against unshielded infantry, and its ability to wound multiple soldiers at once made it psychologically and logistically effective.
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Design and function: The mine consisted of an outer steel canister with an inner cylinder that held the main charge, surrounded by about 350 steel balls.
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Triggering methods: It could be activated by stepping on the pressure igniter on top, pulling a tripwire, or electrically.
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Effectiveness: The mine’s “bounding” action made it particularly dangerous because it propelled a lethal spray of shrapnel at about 0.9 meters (3 feet) off the ground.
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Impact: It was effective not only at killing but also at wounding multiple soldiers, which could slow down an entire platoon as they attended to the injured.
