SPECIAL FEATURES
For specific purposes, bombs could be fitted with additional equipment/ features. Some examples of these are:
Kopfring
These were steel rings fitted to the nose of bombs to prevent excessive penetration against land targets and to prevent ricochet against sea targets.
Stachebomben (Stabo)
‘Stabo’ bombs have a threaded lug forged onto the nose of the bomb. An extended steel spike is then screwed onto the bomb nose. These were used in low altitude attacks to prevent the bomb ricocheting.
Gerät Jericho
This was a device in the form of an organ pipe that was fitted to the tail of the bomb. As the bomb fell, it emitted a loud whistle enhancing the psychological effect of the sound of a falling bomb. Four devices were attached to the tail unit of the bomb. Two types were used: the Gerät Jericho and a second type the B. B 1 E.
Interestingly, the British wartime publication ‘Civil defence Training Pamphlet – Objects Dropped from the Air’ details two devices as ‘whistle attachment for screaming bombs. One is the Gerät Jericho and the second is rather curious looking object that has clearly been made from a modified bayonet scabbard. This object is in fact half of a tool made from a repurposed bayonet and bayonet and scabbard used for splitting wood. Examples of these were made in Germany by ‘Industriewerk Auhammer company in the city of Suhl’. This object is in fact half of a tool made from a repurposed bayonet and bayonet and scabbard used for splitting wood. Examples of these were made in Germany by the ‘Industriewerk Auhammer’ company in the city of Suhl. They were sold worldwide. How half of one of these devices became mistaken for a bomb whistle is unclear, but it demonstrates how firsthand data should sometimes be questioned.