Hi Guys, Are there any PIAT experts out there? I'm trying to compose a drawing of Robert Cain VC in action at Arnhem. I would like to know if the Piat could be fired stood up or not? most pictures I've seen have the soldiers laying down, is this the only way to fire it? The sketch I've attached was done at work with no reference pictures so I've had to draw the PIAT from memory so please excuse any mistakes! Cheers for any help! Soren
No help with a PIAT but that's Jeremy Clarkson's Father-in-Law isn't it? http://www.arnhemarchive.org/Biog/Robert_Cain_1.htm From his Citation sounds like he was stood up. The crew abandoned the vehicle but all were gunned down as they bailed out. Cain fired at the second tank, but the bomb was faulty and exploded directly in front of him. It blew him off his feet and left him blind with metal fragments in his blackened face. As his men dragged him off, Cain recalls yelling like a hooligan and calling for somebody to get hold of the PIAT and deal with the tank http://www.arnhemarchive.org/robert_cain.htm
that's Jeremy Clarkson's Father-in-Law isn't it? Didn't the family have no idea he'd earnt the VC until after his death in the 70's? One of the more astonishing VC citations. Talk about losing your rag. Nice picture too.
IIRC from memory of the Clarkson programme on Cain, he fired the PIAT from both a prone and then standing position. Regards Ali
thanks everyone, His actions that day/s were incredible, from memory at one point his clothes were all but blown off yet he carried on fighting the tanks with a cotton stuffed in his ears as the PIAT had burst his eardrums! What a boy!
No help with a PIAT but that's Jeremy Clarkson's Father-in-Law isn't it? http://www.arnhemarchive.org/Biog/Robert_Cain_1.htm From his Citation sounds like he was stood up. http://www.arnhemarchive.org/robert_cain.htm According the Clarkson, he bashed the but end of the rounds against a wall to ignite them!
I managed to get a screen shot from todays prog. I don't whether you want to try this one Soren. I quite liked the perspective (EDIT - and one of the commerative stamp from 1981):
Cain died in 1974, and his daughter, Frances would have been very young (maybe very early teens or younger). So it is possible that she didn't really know, as she states here: http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=1107664 And don't forget that Cain lived in the Far East and Africa, working for Shell, after the war - I wonder how much daily contact he had with his daughter? As to Clarkson's style - maybe a bit gung-ho but considering the lack of interest in these sorts of programmes amongst most of the general public, a certain "puzzaz" is required for it to be watched.
finally watched it for the first tiem ast night. thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes it was a bit jazzed up, but it may make more people take an interest. Got the Alan Whicker Operation Husky on at the same time recorded so will try an watch that this week. One thing I saw in yesterdays paper that will be interesting: History Channel 11th June Simon Weston has gone back with a camera crew to find all of those who nursed him after the Sir Galahad. If any of you can record from Sky I would owe you a HUGE favour if I could borrow a copy of it. PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE!
I managed to catch Clarksons program last night and thought it was quite interesting. It must have a bit of something as the wife watched with interest and she hates history programs. Mind you she does watch Top Gear, hold on a minute maybe maybe a secret Clarkson feitish goin on here, surely not! Anyway I'm suprised by the lack of programs scheduled to commemorate d-day. The Apprentice on BBC 1,The Apprentice:You're fired on BBC 2 and Challenge Anneka on ITV. Is reality TV really about reality, to borrow from last nights program hero's and celebrities are far too easily created these days. More programs about the likes of Robert Cain should be broadcast, it might inspire a few.
I watched this programme for the second time and thoroughly enjoyed it, butr one thing puzzled me at the end. Announcer said that since the programme had been made two VCs had been awarded, I know one was Beharry, was the other the para chap in Afghanistan? Andy
Shame on me , I forgot that chap. Corporal Bryan Budd, who died leading an assault against Taliban fighters, was awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming only the second recipient of the award in 24 years. Defence Internet | Defence News | Victoria Cross and George Cross awarded for Para heroism in Afghanistan
With thanks to Jonathan Ball39,sending me a copy of this..........I watched it this mornng while I was aware of the events of Cains VC action it was quite a enjoyable watch Clarkson,is many things but boring is not one of them,only quibble would be during the reconstruction of Cain's firing his Piat, at at the Tiger tanks he was shown wearing Para wings............. I wish people who do such programes would do thier research
IIRC from memory of the Clarkson programme on Cain, he fired the PIAT from both a prone and then standing position. Regards Ali If I recall he supported the PIAT on the corner of a wall, when the thing exploded bits of the wall splintered and hit him in the face ?????
If I recall he supported the PIAT on the corner of a wall, when the thing exploded bits of the wall splintered and hit him in the face ????? Hey Steve, as he fired the Piat projectile caught the corner of the building exploding sending debris into his face, and as a result he ended up with a black face and splinters also briefly going blind.
Hey Steve, as he fired the Piat projectile caught the corner of the building exloding sending debris into his face, and as a result he ended up with a black face and splinters also briefly going blind. Cheers, Nearly right then
