BRITAN’S BUMBLING TANK KILLER
Recently we were lucky enough to acquire a historic WWII anti-tank weapon, the British PIAT (pictured above). At first, this weapon seemed a bit strange and impractical, but after doing some research, we realized we couldn’t have been more wrong.
Developed out of necessity, this effective, yet cumbersome anti-tank weapon was a World War II British invention. Prior to its debut, the Brits were lacking a tank weapon that packed a punch. Although the explosive fired from the PIAT wasn’t a British invention, it was British designers who found a way to fire larger hollow-charge ammunition at much greater distance.
| Caliber | 83mm/ 3.25″ |
| Type | Spigot launcher |
| Length | 39 inches |
| Weight | 32 pounds |
| Max. effective Range | ~115 yards |
| Armor penetration | 75-100 mm / 90o |
FIRING THE PIAT
An advantage of the PIAT over other anti-tank weapons was its lack of blowback. Because of this, it could be fired indoors and in close proximity to other soldiers. However, it did have a hefty kick and was suggested to only be fired in a prone position.
In order to fire the PIAT, a solider would have to cock the trigger, which was a large spring. This was done by standing on the butt of the gun with both feet and turning the weapon to unlock the body while also locking the firing pin to the butt of the gun. After all this was done, the user would bend over, pull the weapon upwards, which would attach the spring to the trigger, and cock the gun.
With this design, problems arose. Having to pull upward and cock the weapon proved to be difficult for shorter soldiers. There is a certain someone here in our office that might find arming this antique weapon difficult, but we won’t name names.
Once the weapon was ready to fire, the trigger was pulled, which released the spring and pushed the firing pin forwards into the projectile. The bomb’s propellant was ignited and the bomb was launched through the air. After the initial firing of the PIAT, the recoil forced the firing pin backwards, cocking the weapon once more and making it ready to fire again.
PIAT IN ACTION
The PIAT found its way into every British platoon and into the hands of the Royal Marine commandos. Subsequent users were the Canadian Army, who fell in love with this heavy hunk of metal.
The first place this new device saw any action was during the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. Suggested use for the PIAT was from a fortified trench position as the element of surprise was key to taking down German tanks.
Unfortunately, for anyone wielding this weapon, the addition of armored tank skirts made the PIAT’s propelled explosive far less effective. Throughout its life, there were 115,000 PIATs produced and those that saw combat accounted for 7% of all German tank destructions.
Serving its country for over seven years,this weapon was a part of all theaters in which British and Commonwealth troops served. By the beginning of the 1950s, it was shelved by its successor, the American bazooka.
A PIAT (Projectile Infantry Anti-Tank) in action at a firing range in Tunisia, 19 February 1943. © IWM (NA 756)
PIAT HEROS
The Victoria Cross, a military decoration given for valor “in the face of the enemy” was awarded to 181 individuals throughout the second world war.
Expand the sections below to read the accounts of three extraordinary soldiers who received Victoria Crosses for their heroic actions using the infamous PIAT:
Fusilier Frank Jefferson - May 16, 1944
The London Gazette
of Tuesday, the 11th of July, 1944Published by Authority
THURSDAY, 13 JULY, 1944
War Office, 13th July, 1944.The KING has been graciously pleased to
approve awards of the VICTORIA CROSS to the undermentioned”:—
No. 3663590 Fusilier Francis Arthur Jefferson, The Lancashire Fusiliers (Ulverston, Lanes.).
On i6th May, 1944, during an attack on the Gustav Line, an anti-tank obstacle held, up some of our tanks, leaving the leading Company of Fusilier Jefferson’s Battalion to dig in on the hill without tanks or anti-tank guns. The enemy counter-attacked with infantry and two Mark IV tanks, which opened fire at short range causing a number of casualties, and eliminating one P.I.A.T. group entirely.
As the tanks advanced towards the partially dug trenches, Fusilier Jefferson, entirely on his own initiative, seized a P.I.A.T. and running forward alone under heavy fire, took up a position behind a hedge; as he could not see properly, he came into the open, and standing up under a hail of bullets, fired at the leading tank which was now only twenty yards away. It burst into flames and all the crew were killed.
Fusilier Jefferson then reloaded the P.I.A.T. and proceeded towards the second tank, which withdrew before he could get within range. By this time our own tanks had arrived and the enemy counter-attack was smashed with heavy casualties.
Fusilier Jefferson’s gallant act not merely saved the lives of his Company and caused many casualties to the Germans, but also •broke up the enemy counter-attack and had a decisive effect on the subsequent operation. His supreme gallantry and disregard of personal risk contributed very, largely to the success of the action.
Company Sergeant Major Stanley Hollis - June 6, 1944
The London Gazette
of Tuesday, the 15th of August, 1944Published by Authority
THURSDAY, 17 AUGUST, 1944
War Office, 17th August, 1944.The KING has been graciously pleased to
approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:—
No. 4390973 Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant-Major) Stanley Elton Hollis, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of W ales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment) (Middles- brough).
In Normandy on 6th June, 1944, during the assault on the beaches and the Mont Fleury Battery, C.S.M. Hollis’s Company Commander noticed that two of the pill-boxes had been by-passed, and went with C.S.M. Hollis to see that they were clear. When they were 20 yards from the pillbox, a machine-gun opened fire from the slit and C.S.M. Hollis instantly rushed straight at the pillbox, firing his Sten gun. He jumped on top of the pillbox, re-charged his magazine, threw a grenade in through the door and fired his Sten gun into it, killing two Germans and making the remainder prisoner. He then cleared “several Germans from a neighboring trench. By his action, he undoubtedly saved his Company from being fired on heavily from the rear and enabled them to open the main beach exit.
Later the same day, in the village of Crepon, the Company encountered a field gun and crew armed with Spandaus at 100 yards range. C.S.M. Hollis was put in command of a party to cover an ‘attack-on the gun, but the movement was held up. Seeing this, C.S.M. Hollis pushed right forward to engage the gun with a P.I.A.T. from a house at 50 yards range. He was observed by a sniper who fired and grazed his right cheek, and at the same moment the gun swung round and fired at point-blank range into the house. To avoid the fallen- masonry C.S.M. Hollis moved his’ party to an alternative position. Two of the enemy gun crew had by this time been killed, and the gun was destroyed shortly afterwards. He later found that two of his men had stayed behind in the house and immediately volunteered to get them out. In full view of the enemy who were continually firing at him he went forward alone using a Bren gun to distract their attention from the other men. Under cover of his diversion, the two men were able to get back.
Wherever fighting was heaviest, C.S.M. Hollis appeared and in the course of a magnificent day’s work, he displayed the utmost gallantry and on two separate occasions his courage and initiative prevented the enemy from holding up the advance at critical stages. It was largely through his heroism and resource that the Company’s objectives were gained and casualties were not heavier, and by his own bravery he saved the lives of many of his men.
Private Ernest Aliva Smith - October 21/22, 1944
The London Gazette
of Tuesday, the 19th of December, 1944Published by Authority
WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER, 1944
Department of National Defense, Ottawa. 19th December, 1944.The KING has been graciously pleased to
approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:—
No. K 52880 Private Ernest Alvia Smith, The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
In Italy on the night of 2ist/22nd October, 1944, a Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River.
The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were selected as the spearhead of the attack and in weather most unfavorable to the operation they crossed the river and captured their objectives in spite of strong opposition from the enemy.
Torrential rain had caused the Savio River to rise six feet in five hours and as the soft vertical banks made it impossible to bridge the river no tanks or anti-tank guns could be taken across, the raging stream to the sup- port of the rifle companies.
As the right forward company was consolidating its objective it was suddenly counter-attacked by a troop of three Mark V Panther tanks supported by two self-propelled guns and about thirty infantry and the situation appeared almost hopeless.
Under heavy fire from the approaching enemy tanks, Private Smith, showing great initiative and inspiring leadership, led his Piat Group of two men across an open field to a position from which the Piat could best be employed. Leaving one man on the weapon, Private Smith crossed the road with a companion, and obtained another Piat. Almost immediately an enemy tank came down the road firing its machine guns along the line of the ditches. Private Smith’s comrade was wounded. At a range of thirty feet and having to expose himself to the full view of the enemy, Private Smith fired the Piat and hit the tank, putting it out of action. Ten German infantry immediately jumped off the back of the tank and charged him with Schmeissers and grenades. Without hesitation Private Smith moved out onto the road and with his Tommy gun at point blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back. Almost immediately another tank opened fire and more enemy infantry closed in on Smith’s position. Obtaining some abandoned Tommy gun magazines from a ditch, he steadfastly held his position, protecting his comrade and fighting the enemy with his Tommy gun until they finally gave up and withdrew in disorder.
One tank and both self-propelled guns had been destroyed by this time, but yet another tank swept the area with fire from a longer range. Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby building. He then returned to his position beside the road to
await the possibility of a further enemy attack.
No further immediate attack developed, and as a result the battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to the success of the whole operation, which led to the eventual capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River.
Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and superb gallantry of this private soldier, his comrades were so inspired that the bridgehead was held firm against all enemy attacks, pending the arrival of tanks and anti-tank guns some hours later.
PIAT'S LEGACY
The second world war produced some incredibly distinct weapons and machines. The PIAT is certainly one worth remembering. When there was no answer on the ground to Germany’s devastating tanks, the PIAT spoke up. It empowered the soldiers who carried it and was a persuasive force for those that handled it well.
We love history almost as much as we love buying a piece of history. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to hold this once formidable weapon and other great pieces at Drive A Tank.
Our PIAT is for display and inspection only. It will not be fired, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hold it!
A Piat gun of “C” Troop, 1st Airlanding Reconnaissance Squadron, in position behind a tree covering a road near Wolfheze. © IWM (BU 1144)
THE PIAT IN MOTION
Check out these great PIAT videos we found! Funny seeing how nonchalant everyone acts in the first video. Stinking German tank, won’t let him finish his cooking. He’d better take care of it.
