Really bad weapons...

[Gorbag]

Howdy all, new to the forum, and hoping to contribute in a meaningful way.


Lest we forget, we shouldn't leave out the Northover Projector (or officially, the "Projector, 2.5 inch") and the No. 76 Special Incendiary Grenade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northover_Projector

Basically, get a big piece of pipe, mount it on a wobbly tripod, put a screw in breach, and use a charge of black powder touched off by a cap from a child's cap gun. The projectile of choice was the No. 76 grenade, which was basically a milk bottle stuffed with white phosphorous and gasoline.

What's not to like? A projectile that has a large chance of going blooie in the breech and spraying phosphorous everywhere? A tripod that had a chance of randomly bending during firing and sending the projectile flying off into God knows where? A weapon made from drain pipe? It just shows the desperation Britain had reached after Calais that they actually produced these things in quantities.

[helbent4]

Originally Posted by Gorbag

Howdy all, new to the forum, and hoping to contribute in a meaningful way.


Lest we forget, we shouldn't leave out the Northover Projector (or officially, the "Projector, 2.5 inch") and the No. 76 Special Incendiary Grenade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northover_Projector

Basically, get a big piece of pipe, mount it on a wobbly tripod, put a screw in breach, and use a charge of black powder touched off by a cap from a child's cap gun. The projectile of choice was the No. 76 grenade, which was basically a milk bottle stuffed with white phosphorous and gasoline.

What's not to like? A projectile that has a large chance of going blooie in the breech and spraying phosphorous everywhere? A tripod that had a chance of randomly bending during firing and sending the projectile flying off into God knows where? A weapon made from drain pipe? It just shows the desperation Britain had reached after Calais that they actually produced these things in quantities.

Gorbag,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for the contribution!

Your post is a good contribution; not only is this a terrible weapon, unlike most such weapons I could actually see it being produced on a limited or at least local basis as logistical chains broke down and manufacturing of pre-war weapons ceased.

Tony