A question about real-life mines

Stiebler · 04-16-10, 02:14 AM

Naval mines almost always have timers attached when they are dropped/laid. If they are defensive mines, you want your own ships to be able to move through the area at some later date. If they are offensive mines, laid around an enemy harbour (for example), you want your own ships or submarines to be able to return safely to drop more mines, after the enemy has discovered the first minefield.

When the timer expires, the mine *should* become safe. But sometimes it doesn't, that is why naval minefields have to be swept even after they are time-expired.

Mines that float free can cause a danger to shipping. Those that broke free from the giant British East-coast minefields laid in 1940-1942 drifted off into the North Sea, in the prevailing currents.

U-boat control sent out orders to U-boats in passage around Norway to Iceland: if you see a floating mine, it is probably harmless. In any case, your bow wave will almost certainly push it to one side. But try to destroy it with machine-gun fire (sic) anyway.

Stiebler.

04-16-10, 02:14 AM	#8
Stiebler Fuel Supplier Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,237 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 4	Naval mines almost always have timers attached when they are dropped/laid. If they are defensive mines, you want your own ships to be able to move through the area at some later date. If they are offensive mines, laid around an enemy harbour (for example), you want your own ships or submarines to be able to return safely to drop more mines, after the enemy has discovered the first minefield. When the timer expires, the mine should become safe. But sometimes it doesn't, that is why naval minefields have to be swept even after they are time-expired. Mines that float free can cause a danger to shipping. Those that broke free from the giant British East-coast minefields laid in 1940-1942 drifted off into the North Sea, in the prevailing currents. U-boat control sent out orders to U-boats in passage around Norway to Iceland: if you see a floating mine, it is probably harmless. In any case, your bow wave will almost certainly push it to one side. But try to destroy it with machine-gun fire (sic) anyway. Stiebler. __________________ NYGM Tonnage War Mod - More than a mod: it's an experience!