"The Smith Gun"

Hi phylo_roadking,

Many thanks, I've learned something.

That's what I like about this site, I have reached the stage of life where I need to keep learning and not vegetate.

I am lucky because of my late Fathers friends (mostly limbless) who used to tell me about their experiences.

Regards, Mick D.

 

Smith Gun
IWM

 

The Smith Gun was considered as a weapon for the Airborne Forces. The Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment carried out trials parachuting a Smith Gun and Limber from a Vickers Wellington and despite the parachute smashing the underside of the Wellington's fuselage as it opened, the Smith Gun was recommended for use as a parachuted store.
I've also seen a photograph of a crashed Hamilcar which hit two Nissen huts whilst landing at RAF Tarrant Rushton during early 1944. The wreckage is sitting on a line of Smith Guns which had been covered in a tarpaulin. Were they still being considered as an Airborne Forces weapon in 1944 or were they part of the Airfield Defences?

 

We have one in the Heritage Centre at RAF Honington

 

From S.D.7 Report No.35 for period 4-20 Oct 1942

 

Outstanding, a few more details on this god awful looking AFV, which has always been a bit of a mystery.

Of course "why" it was done still has to be answered.

 

Crikey