Minefields are reported which contain both Tellermines and "S" mines. At the risk of possible
repetition, it seems worth while to point out here the difference between these two types, as
engineers clearing Tellermines, if "S" mines are unexpectedly encountered, may be in a rather
difficult situation.
The Tellermine ("Teller" is "plate" in German) is the standard antitank mine, a flat, round
device looking not unlike a stack of wheat cakes. Unless booby-trapped with a supplementary
pull, pressure, or release igniter, the Tellermine will ordinarily explode only when run over
by a tank or other vehicle. Where pressure is equally distributed over the top of the mine, the
weight required for detonation is approximately 400 pounds. However, if pressure is brought
to bear on the edge of the mine, about 175 pounds is sufficient for detonation. The figures
referring to pressure apply to mines buried at a depth of about 3 inches.
The antipersonnel "S" mine, otherwise known as the "bounding mine" or "silent soldier," is a
much more ingenious device. Buried in a shallow hole, it is tossed into the air by a light
charge of powder in its base, and explodes violently when some 5 feet up. In size, the
mine is about as large as a quart tomato can. It weighs about 9 pounds, and the bursting
charge of approximately 1 pound of TNT scatters some 350 steel balls with such surprising
force that they are dangerous at 200 yards. Both trip-wires and direct step-on devices
are used to ignite them.