How did light mortars support German storming parties in World War I?

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In World War I, German storming parties (Sturmtruppe) utilized light mortars as essential portable firepower to support their offensive tactics. Unlike traditional infantry that relied on massive, static artillery barrages, these specialized units operated in a decentralized manner to penetrate enemy lines.1

Equipped with light mortars, hand grenades, and light machine guns, these storming parties employed "fire-and-movement" tactics. The mortars provided the necessary mobile support to suppress or neutralize enemy strongpoints as the troops advanced. By manhandling these light weapons, the storming parties could maintain momentum and provide their own covering fire while filtering between defensive positions and bypassing resistance to reach the enemy's rear. This approach allowed the Germans to overcome the limitations of traditional, rigid infantry attacks that had previously resulted in catastrophic casualties.1