EOKHUB Booklet
The Sprühbüchse 37: Advanced Chemical Area Denial Technology in WWII German Ordnance
The German Bounding Gas Mine 37 (Sprühbüchse 37; Sp.Bü. 37) represents a significant advancement in World War II-era chemical warfare technology, demonstrating the integration of sophisticated mechanical systems with chemical agent deployment capabilities. This weapon system exemplifies the evolution of area denial munitions from conventional explosive devices to multi-modal chemical dispersal platforms.
Measuring 40.6 centimetres in height with a 17.8-centimetre diameter, the Sp. Bü. 37 employed a cylindrical steel construction that superficially resembled the German S-mine antipersonnel system. However, its internal configuration housed a substantially different payload: approximately 7.6 litres of liquid chemical contaminant, typically mustard gas, contained within a specialised dispersal mechanism. The device's external markings—white stencilled "Sp.Bü.. 37" designation and dual yellow identification bands—provided clear visual identification for military personnel.
The weapon's operational versatility is derived from its dual-mode deployment capability. In air-burst configuration, the system utilised a 300-gram black powder propelling charge to project the chemical payload 3 to 6 meters above ground level before detonation, achieving contamination coverage of 300 to 500 square meters. Ground-burst deployment eliminated the propelling charge, delivering concentrated chemical contamination across approximately 150 square meters through direct surface-level dispersal.
Technical sophistication was evident in the mine's timing and safety systems. The primary fuzing mechanism employed a 5-minute clockwork delay fuze with adjustable timing parameters, incorporating multiple safety features including removable safety pins and Type III fuze arming mechanisms. Quality control measures included the application of pink detector varnish at potential leak points, which would indicate red upon chemical agent contact, providing visual confirmation of system integrity.
The Sprühbüchse 37 was not just a weapon—it was a psychological barrier, forcing caution where speed once ruled.
The strategic implementation of the Sp.Bü. 37 extended beyond immediate casualty production to encompass psychological warfare and operational disruption. Deployment of these systems forced opposing forces to maintain chemical protective postures, significantly reducing mobility and operational effectiveness while creating persistent area denial capabilities that could influence tactical decision-making across extended timeframes.
Technical Specifications - Sprühbüchse 37
Physical Dimensions
Height: 40.6 cm
Diameter: 17.8 cm
Weight: 6.8-9.1 kg (loaded)
Case Material: Cylindrical steel construction
Handle: Wood and wire composite
Chemical Payload
Capacity: 7.6 liters liquid contaminant
Primary Agent: Mustard gas (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide)
Container: Cylindrical metal mine unit
Leak Detection: Pink detector varnish (turns red on contact)
Propulsion System
Propelling Charge: 300 grams black powder
Configuration: Bowl-shaped metal case
Mounting: Threaded base plug system
Ejection Height: 3-6 meters (air burst mode)
Fuzing System
Primary Fuze: 5-minute clockwork delay mechanism
Delay Range: 2-5 minutes (adjustable)
Fuze Wells: Horizontal and vertical options (threaded)
Safety Features: Safety pin with retaining wire
Arming Options: Type III fuze (scharf/sicher positions)
Delay Pellet: 0.4-second secondary delay
Contamination Coverage
Air Burst: 300-500 square meters
Ground Burst: ~150 square meters
Optimal Conditions: Wind-dependent dispersal pattern
Identification Markings
Designation: "Sp.Bü. 37" (white stencil)
Color Coding: Two yellow bands on mine unit
Detector Paint: Pink varnish at leak points
Safety Protocols (Historical)
Minimum Arming Delay: 2 minutes
Disposal Safety Zone: 45-meter radius evacuation
Downwind Hazard Zone: 1,800 meters at 30° angle
Maximum Disposal Quantity: 5 units simultaneously
