After the Fall of France in 1940 large amounts of French military hardware fell into German hands.

Two systems that were captured in sizable numbers were the SOMUA MCL half-track artillery tractor and the 81 mm Brandt Mle 27/31 mortar.

The round then slid down the tube until it hit a firing pin which launched it.

In action, all 20 barrels were fired in rapid succession, but not simultaneously to saturate the target area.

The Reihenwerfer was deployed by German units in Northern France during the Normandy landings.