A question about WWII landmines...

Question

I've heard some were made to detonate when pressure was released from the mine, i.e, when the person lifted their foot. If a person were to keep pressure on the mine, it wouldn't detonate.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Answer 1

You are correct, some mines have pressure sensitive fusing so that they only go off after pressure is released.  Many of them were anti-tank mines and when vehicles would drive over them the tire would creat pressure and then when the tire rolled off it would explode thus creating more damage to the vehicle.  But if you apply pressure you can dig up the rest of the mine and continues applying pressure so it doesn't explode.

Answer 2

that would be true.

Answer 3

That is very true.