Riegel mine 43

It consists of a lower and upper metal tray, and an internal metal-cased explosive block.

Attempting to disarm Riegelmines is extremely dangerous because the metal wires in the fuze mechanisms quickly become corroded, which makes them highly unstable.

As a result, Riegelmines are highly sensitive to the smallest disturbance, and therefore can easily detonate simply by touching them.

The recommended render-safe procedure for any Riegel mine is to destroy it in situ by detonating a small explosive charge next to it.

Countries where Riegel mines were laid include the Netherlands, Egypt and Libya.

A Riegelmine 43
Riegelmine 43 schematic
Churchill Mk V tank destroyed by a Riegelmine in the Overloon War Museum , in addition to the obvious damage to the suspension the mine penetrated the hull killing two of the crew