Preface §Table of    Contents §List of    Illustrations §Foreword

Part 1 §Plans §Preliminary    Moves §Operations

Part 2 §7 Ind Inf    Orders §U.S. Army    Version §4 Ind Arty    Orders

Part 3 §Operations    (continued) §Losses §Comments    and Lessons

Appendix A §German    88-mm. Gun Appendix B §Axis    Emplacements

Appendix B

RESTRICTED APPENDIX B AXIS EMPLACEMENTS AND FORTIFICATIONS IN THE OMARS         The series of photographs on the following pages illustrates artificial hull-down gun positions and carefully-prepared fortifications that constituted the Axis defensive works in the Omars. The artillery emplacements are discussed in paragraph 5b(l) of this bulletin, and the trench systems in paragraph 5b(2).         In the pictures of artillery it is interesting to note the depth of the emplacements, the protection provided for gun crews, the fields of fire to the front and flanks of the guns, the discarded shell containers, the method used for storage of ammunition, and the destroyed British tanks on the desert.         The pictures of the Axis fortifications show the hard, rocky nature of the desert soil, the irregular trench pattern, the manner in which the tops of trenches have been made flush with the ground, and the debris from the battle.   RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED This gun appears to be the Italian 75-mm. Ansaldo rifle in antiaircraft position. In the distance can be seen several British tanks which were destroyed in the assault on the Omar position. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED     These two pictures illustrate a German 88-mm. multipurpose gun that has been knocked out by British counterbattery fire. Notice that the hydropneumatic recuperator has been blown from its position above the tube. Also note ammunition containers in the foreground. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED         This photograph shows a type of armor shield used in some Axis gun emplacements, and also the rocky soil that is characteristic of the Libyan Plateau. The gun is not identified. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED These British soldiers are demonstrating the method of firing the Italian 81-mm. (3.2-inch) mortar. This mortar can be elevated from 40 to 90 degrees. It has a traverse of 8-1/2 degrees and an effective rate of fire of 30 rounds per minute. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED The type of emplacement illustrated on this page allows the gun sufficient traverse to cover a wide field of fire to the front and flanks of the position. The gun shown here is the Italian Breda antiaircraft--antitank. It has the following characteristics: caliber, 20 mm.; length in calibers, 65; muzzle velocity, 2,759 feet per second; maximum effective range, 6000 yards; antiaircraft ceiling, 8,200 feet; weight of projectile, armor-piercing, .308 pounds, high explosive, .297 pounds; effective rate of fire, 129 rounds per minute; elevation, 10 to 80 degrees; traverse, 360 degrees. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED This Indian soldier is inspecting captured Axis small arms and web equipment in an Omar fortification. Notice that the top of this position is flush with the surface of the ground. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED Axis communication trenches were narrow and shallow, but carefully zig-zagged so as not to present an easy target for the British artillery. These British officers are inspecting equipment captured from the enemy. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED This squad from the Royal Sussex Battalion is passing through a communications trench in the Omars. RESTRICTED

 
 

RESTRICTED This aerial photograph shows an Axis dummy gun position near Halfaya Pass, east of the Omars. RESTRICTED

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