"FLAK 38 in the Ground Role" Topic

Though limited as an anti-aircraft weapon, as I understand it, the Germans used the 20mm FLAK 38 quite effectively in the ground role. In the final battle of 'Saving Private Ryan', the Waffen SS are seen wheeling one around and firing it in support of their attack without removing it from its trailer. Was this a recognised practice? As the gunner had to sit in a seat to fire the weapon with a foot pedal, was this not impractical? I cannot find any photographic evidence of this practice so I would be grateful for any information as to whether the Germans did this or not.

I'm not certain for the 20mm FLAK 38 but but have seen photos that show the Flak 18/36 88 mm gun could be fired from it's wheels but with no traverse, so expect the FLAK 38 could. Certainly not the preferred way to deploy it.

Chris

The recoil of the 20mm cannon was considerable (According to my dad) so I imagine it would be rather less accurate, not being on a firm base.

The Germans were starting to integrate the 2-cm at lower levels by 1944-45. Those unusual lateish 1944 Fortress Battalions included Uberschwere MG companies with twelve Flak 38 that were towed, not vehicle mounted. These needed an increment of two-horse wagons for towing and four-hourse wagons for ammunition to make them mobile. There were also a couple (I think) of very heavy MG Battalions from the close of 1944, with three Companies each of a dozen 2-cm guns on ground mounts.

The light flak guns in late war Panzer Grenadier Regiments and Battalions were ostensibly for AA defence, however if the opportunity arose to engage ground targets without them being extremely vulnerable to return fire they could do so.

Gary

Here are some photos:
link

Video showing ground fire: YouTube link

Wolfhag

I am pretty sure they were used in Warsaw against the Polish Home Army during the '44 uprising.

Thanks for all this info. The use in the ground role is not in question, but unless I missed it, I still have not seen evidence of firing with the wheels on. Herkybird's comment may be the one that nay says the use of the gun on its trailer.

The photo at the top of this page certainly looks like the crew is ready to fire the Flak 38 on its wheels: link

Now that is interesting. Could be that the crew are just taking a break before moving on (crewman eating apple, canvas cover over sights etc). However, they could also be about to leap into action.

The jury is back out…

While firing it on its wheels is reasonable, I suspect the instability of the mount would affect its accuracy to some degree – especially at range.