Lister, David From Bombard to PIAT

British Spigot Weapons of the Second World War

Spigot guns, a unique British invention during the Second World War, differed from conventional mortars. Instead of a barrel, these weapons used a steel rod or spigot on which a bomb was placed before being fired. David Lister explores these weapons and demonstrates their effectiveness despite their controversial reputation. One such weapon, the PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank), became infamous during the Battle of Arnhem, where British paratroopers struggled with its performance compared to the German alternatives. Contrary to popular belief, the PIAT was an effective anti-tank weapon, capable of taking out enemy tanks. The Blacker Bombard, often derided as a failure, was also a formidable weapon used by the Home Guard and proved to be more effective than its reputation suggested. At sea, the Hedgehog anti-submarine weapon, another Spigot design, was instrumental in driving U-boats out of the Atlantic, although its potential was underutilised due to secrecy during the war. Lister examines these overlooked weapons and the genius of Latham Valentine Stewart Blacker, one of the key British weapons inventors who played a crucial role in their development. Through these examples, the book reveals the true power of spigot weapons and their crucial contribution to the war effort.