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King George V's War Museum

A collection displayed at Windsor Castle by George V following the First World War

GERMANY

Hertz horn of naval mine

twentieth century

RCIN 69498

In 1868, the Hertz horn was invented by the Germans. By the outbreak of the First World War, this was the most reliable way to detonate contact mines. Contact with the horn would break a container of sulphuric acid, which would consequently energise a battery and explode the mine. These mines were placed in the sea at a particular depth with a system of anchors and mooring cables.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.