The standard German medium mortar of the war was the 81mm Granatwerfer 34. It was a very effective and accurate weapon that could provide long-range fire support, and was used throughout the conflict on most thestres.

A mortar crew consits of three members, the gunner controls the deflection and elevation of the weapon, the assistant gunner loads the round at the command of the gunner and the ammunition man prepares and hands over ammunition to the assistant gunner.