SPANDAU, is it a l.M.G. or L.M.G.

This may be an insignificant or trivial detail, but I've been trying for some time to resolve what exactly the "L.M.G." in reference to the LMG SPANDAU machine gun means.

There are two schools of thought as to the exact meaning.

One is that it is "leicht Maschinen Gewehr" meaning "light Machine Gun".

The second is "Luftgekult Maschinen Gewehr" meaning "Air-cooled Machine Gun"

I have yet to see anything definitive in print before 1919. Let me explain further. There are "articles" written in 1919 that refer to this type of weapon as a "light Machine Gun", and it appears that it definitely carried this connotation or meaning by 1919. Even before 1919 there were other German machine gun weapons that were designed and categorized as "light Machine Gun".

I have never seen a operating manual for a LMG aircraft SPANDAU.

I have seen wartime manuals covering the water cooled trench version Maxim MG 08/15. The interesting thing is, manuals made during the war do not refer to the MG 08/15 as a "light" machine gun, but later manuals printed after 1918, do refer to the MG 08/15 as a l.M.G. weapon. Also notice that I use a small "l" when I refer to "leicht" or "light", and a capital "L" when I refer to "Luftgekult" or "Air-cooled", that is because that is the way I have seen it utilized when observed in print or on the weapon itself.

Going out on a limb, I speculate that the "L" may have first been an abbreviation for "Luftgekult" since they were developing the weapon strictly for aircraft usage, but very soon afterward was used to refer to machine guns that were "lightened" in weight or designed specifically as a "light" weight weapon.

Any of the armament folks have any ideas on this one, or even novice buffs, (sometimes the most logical deductions are found by those not so close to the subject).

Best Wishes,
Dave

PS: I have also seen "leichtes" used for "light", and "luftgekuhltes" for "air-cooled".

I'm no expert but my sources said it was a "lightened machine gun" but not a "light machine gun.

The difference being the holes in the water jacket and the lack of water in the same which reduced the weight of the gun.

Don't know for sure if this is right but I saw in in two different sources from different publishers.

Tobias

[joegertler]

Dave, You've got me curious now. I "believe" the water-cooled 08/15 I have is marked "LMG" on top.That would rule out "luft". I'm going to go over to the warehouse in a few days and I'll check on that. The water-cooled version saw regular use on the Zeppelins too.Will let you know if it says LMG in a few days. DAVE-Please call me-I may want a couple of tables at Dayton.

[joegertler]

Sorry about that, Dave. I just went to the warehouse and the water-cooled Spandau is only marked "MG 08/15 1918." I've been reading a lot of old "FLUGSPORT" and "Flug-Welte" bound years over the past month and I must have come across a number of references to "LMG" that stuck in my confused mind. I realize the trouble is NOW that a few people will remember my erronious post a few years from now and remember it as a "fact" to be passed along. Tried to call you several times, Dave. Still trying.

[leo]

In, "Military Small Arms of the Twentieth Century", by Ian Hogg and John Weeks it is stated that LMG stands for," the 'l' for luftgekuhlt-aircooled-and not for leichte or light".

Thanks Leo,

I've read the same statement, but what I'm really looking for is "concrete" evidence, or the source they derived the information from to make the statement about "air-cooled". I know this sounds a bit "anal", but I don't trust the newer written "sources", as often things are taken for granted or assumed. If any one has the address for Ian Hogg or John Weeks, I would be most appreciative. I'll drop them a line.

I have conferred with Peter Grosz, a recognized authority on WWI German aircraft, and his opinion is steadfastly set with the "leicht" or "lightened" school of thought. I also conversed with Harry Woodman who hadn't really questioned it before. Thanks again for the source, if someone can come up with with their addresses, I'll follow up on it.

Best,
Dave

[leo]

I don't have their adresses, but you might get a letter to them through their publisher. Digest Books, Inc., 540 Frontage Road, Northfield, Il 60093.