From Bombard to PIAT

British Spigot Weapons of the Second World War

David Lister, Thomas Anderson

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Paperback

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English

Frontline Books
01 July 2025

Second World War; Weapons & equipment

Spigot weapons, a unique British invention during World War II, were different 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, revealing their effectiveness despite their controversial reputations. 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 a powerful anti-tank weapon, capable of taking down enemy tanks. Similarly, the Blacker Bombard, often mocked as a failure, was a formidable weapon used by the Home Guard, proving more effective than its reputation suggested. At sea, the Hedgehog anti-submarine weapon, another spigot design, was instrumental in sweeping U-boats from the Atlantic, though its potential was underused due to wartime secrecy. Lister examines these overlooked weapons and the genius of Latham Valentine Stewart Blacker, one of Britain's key weapon inventors, who played a pivotal role in their development. Through these examples, the book uncovers the true power of spigot weapons and their vital contribution to the war effort.

AUTHOR: David's first experience with tanks occurred at the age of 16 when he began work at a local museum. A few years later he started working with computer game developers as a historical consultant. Since then he has worked with several companies including Wargaming's World of Tanks, Gaijin's War Thunder, and Obsidian Entertainment's Armoured Warfare. Throughout this time he visited numerous archives across the country and contributed articles to company websites. In 2016 he self published many of these articles in a book called General War Stories. He has also been regularly published in Tankette, the magazine of the Bovington Tank museum. His website is: www.historylisty.com

60 b/w illustrations

By: David Lister
Contributions by: Thomas Anderson
Imprint: Frontline Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781526798527
ISBN 10: 1526798522
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 01 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

David’s first experience with tanks occurred at the age of 16 when he began work at a local museum. A few years later he started working with computer game developers as a historical consultant. Since then he has worked with several companies including Wargaming’s World of Tanks, Gaijin’s War Thunder, and Obsidian Entertainment's Armoured Warfare. Throughout this time he visited numerous archives across the country and contributed articles to company websites. In 2016 he self published many of these articles in a book called General War Stories. He has also been regularly published in Tankette, the magazine of the Bovington Tank museum. His website is: www.historylisty.com