The U.S. heavy mortar was a key asset for American infantry during World War II, providing essential fire support in various combat situations. The most commonly used heavy mortar by U.S. forces was the M1 81mm mortar, which was capable of delivering high-explosive shells at ranges up to 3,290 yards (3,000 meters). It was a versatile and relatively portable weapon, allowing infantry units to deploy it in diverse environments and adjust its fire based on the demands of the battlefield. The M1 mortar's indirect fire capability allowed U.S. troops to target enemy positions that were out of direct line of sight, such as bunkers, machine gun nests, and fortified positions, providing critical support during assaults and defensive actions alike. The importance of the U.S. heavy mortar in World War II was evident in its widespread use across multiple theaters of the war, including Europe, the Pacific, and North Africa. Mortar teams played a crucial role in softening enemy defenses before infantry assaults, disrupting enemy troop movements, and providing suppressive fire that allowed U.S. forces to advance or defend their positions effectively. The ability to deliver sustained and accurate fire over a relatively long range made the heavy mortar an indispensable tool for U.S. infantry, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness. By offering a balance of mobility, firepower, and range, the U.S. heavy mortar contributed to the success of numerous operations, underscoring its vital role in the overall Allied victory. Why add it to your army? The heavy mortar can be a game changer. It fires like artillery so allows you to shower your enemy with high explosives from almost anywhere on the battlefield. While it is of limited use against more heavily armoured targets, it can cause havoc with infantry, artillery and transports. When you purchase this unit you will also receive online access to the 'artillery' add on rules for our 'simple rules' so that you can fully experience the benefit of adding this to your army. Construction Making these miniatures is straight forward. Just a handful of pieces means you will have your unit of 3 mortar squads in minutes and ready to lay down serious firepower for your army.
