Mk 5 mine


The Mk 5 or Mine G.S. Mk V was a cylindrical, metal-cased United Kingdom anti-tank blast mine that entered service in 1943, during the Second World War. It was replaced in British service with the Mk 7 mine. Two versions of the mine were produced, the Mk. V and the Mk. VC with the same external dimensions. The only difference was that the Mk. VC had a half-sized explosive charge.
The mine used a spider pressure plate that makes it resistant to blast overpressure. The spider rests on a central Mk 3 fuse, which contains a spring-loaded striker held in place by a shear pin. The mine, being made largely of steel tended to rust making its activation unpredictable.
It is found in Angola, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Mozambique, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

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