SOVIET EQUIPMENT USED BY THE 21ST INDEPENDENT ENGINEER BATTALION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A001700670006-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 16, 2002
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: August 5, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-0081OA001700670006-4
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
SECRET
SECURITY INFORMATION
COUNTRY Poland
25X1 ATE OF INFO.
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Soviet Equipment Used by the
21st Independent Engineer Ba,?t;ta~..ci
This Document contains information affecting the Na-
tional Defense of the United States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, of the U.S. Code, as
amended. Its transmission or revelation of its contents
to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form is prohibited,
REPORT NO.
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES 3
THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY off REVERSE)
le The items of Soviet engineer equipment listed below were assigned to and used by
the 21st Independent Rapper k 0 ( 5go) (S dsielny Batal ,on Saperow) in Swidnioa
25X1
of he
equipment axed material mentioned below was of Soviet mangy ao rupee
The following Pontoon bridges were used for instructional purposes 25X1
a, Light Pontoon Bridge (Lekid most pontonorry) - I have identified this bridge
aas the MP Pontoon Bridge and Bridge Rafts a . Practice
pontoon r ges were constructed to a length of 30 to 40 m. Wooden pontoons
with . timber decking were used. Approximately 20 cross timbers were laid
for each two pontoons. The side curbs consisted Of channel irons which
were bolted together. The channel irons could easily be carried by three men.
This type of bridge had a capacity of 5 to 10 tons. The Sagest vehicles using
these bridges were 2 tn. trucks. The 21st Sapper Bn. had 10 to 15 pontoons
of this type in storage. Shore loading ramps for the bridge were made of
metal and were three or four meters long.
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5 August 1953
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$XCftTAJKCURITY INFO ATION
b. Meyary 9rE2 Bridge IMP-#-The head bridge, which I have
25X1 identified as the 1 .- ,2 Bridge, was used for
instructional p xrpones The were con- 25X1
etrsacted of wood; each section was approximately five meters
l . . The two outer sections had bow-shaped ends, while the inner
section was rectangular. Channel iron earrhs were used on the _
Sides of the decking and were bolted together. Each channel Iron
weighed approximately 300 kg. and had to be carried by at least
Oft soft. Two or three section floats were constructed. The
three-s>lection 'float bridge had a capacity of 50 to 60 tn.., while
the two--section float bridge had a capacity of approximately 30 tn.
The' approach ramps were made of steel and were approx telly five
meters long.
c. A-3 Pneumatic Float-There were approximately 40'A-3 fldAts i'h
storage at the 21st Sapper Bn. I did not see 'any'bridges don,:.
struoted with 'the use of these float$. They were made ' of rubber
and were 15 to 20 ft. long. They cottid accommodate about 18 men.
The floats were used singly as assault boats.
d. Two-man Pneumatic Float-Small two-man pneumatic floats were used
25X1 il.n planting demolition charges at bridges or
simulated shore installations. Practical training was conducted
at dusk. Two men entered the float and rowed out to a predeter-
mined objective where simulated demolition charges were placed.
25X1X
3. I saw the following land mines
a; Soviet Tar-Paper "Yam" Mines-These were used for instructional
purposes. They were waterproof, approximately 25 cm. in diameter,
and weighed about five kilograms. The mines were constructed
with a lower and an upper section. The lower section was slightly
lease in diameter then the upper section. The mine was armed by
removing the upper section (cover) and setting the fuse. I have
no further information concerning the detonating mechanism or
explosive charge contained in the mine.
b. Wooden Anti-Tank Mine, YaM-S-Wooden AT mines, which I can identify
25X1 as the Soviet YaM-5, were used for instructional
purposes. They were of the ft type and weighed approximately
six kilograms. Empty "dummy' mines were always used for instrue
tioi. There were two or three live mines of this type in my unit,,.
out I did not see them detonated. I was told that these mines
were not waterproof,,
c. Tank Mine T-B (Te,nkowa Mina).-Commonly referred to as "Drewniany
Brykiet" (Wooden Briquette). These were square, wooden mines,
approximately 30 cm,, long, 30 cm. wide, and 18 cm. high. They
contained two briquette explosive charges. The weight of the
entire mine was approximately five kilograms. This mine could
only be used in dry places, because it was not waterproof. A
Weight of 80 kg. on the mine would set it off . I have no further
Information about this mine.
d. Magnetic, Hollow-Charge, Anti-Tank Mine-I saw one of these mines
25X1 used The mine was
made';m steel, was conical shaped., and weighed three kilograms.
It had three magnets on the bottom portion. I was told that
these mines were to be placed 'against the steel hulls of 'tanks.,
but' I have no further information.
Al. I also saw the following mines, grenades. and panzerfausts ~A, -t& & hand
ILLEGIB Weapon)
SECRET
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3ECRRT/SECURITY INFORMATION
-36
ILLEGIB
Tel1erainei TM *2-43
Riegal, R-aL, 43
Anti sport mine
Mti omel Iri.ne, 3ai- 4
A 3,-.reonn+o1 main, PO NZ, 6 and T (wood construction)
Stia d grretadi (15 on.)
Fanaetfauet, recoilless AT, bomb and launcher
5. I saw one V1M-20mine detector used during a demonstration
It was equipped with a battery power pack and
ILLEGIB
phones. I was told that it was of Soviet make. I did not use this
device myeel:f,.and have no further information.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-0081OA001700670006-4