The Japanese Light Mortar, commonly known by Allied troops as the “Knee Mortar,” was the Type 89 50mm Grenade Discharger, a widely used infantry support weapon throughout World War II. Introduced in 1929, the weapon was compact, lightweight, and highly versatile, allowing Japanese infantry squads to deliver indirect fire quickly and effectively. It fired a 50mm grenade capable of high-explosive, smoke, and flare rounds, giving units the ability to suppress enemy troops, attack machine-gun nests, and provide signalling support during combat.
 
The nickname “Knee Mortar” came from Allied misunderstandings of the weapon’s curved baseplate, which resembled something designed to rest on a soldier’s knee. In reality, firing it this way would cause serious injury; it was meant to be placed on the ground for stability. The Type 89 was highly valued by Japanese forces because it was easy to carry, simple to operate, and could be used by small infantry teams without the need for a full mortar crew. It saw extensive use in China, Southeast Asia, and across the Pacific islands, where its portability made it especially effective in jungle and rugged terrain.
 
Supplied with heads attached.
 
2 Models Supplied. 
 
Printed by Imperator Models on License from 3D Breed.