Holman Projector - Mk III

Mk III

In 1941, production of the Mk III Holman Projector began. This version was semi-automatic, and capable of firing multiple projectiles in a single salvo to a height of around 1,000 feet (300 m). The Admiralty placed an order for a further one thousand units, to be fitted to coastal gunboats and other light craft, where the light recoil of the weapon had proven useful. Plans were drawn up for a Mk IV version of the Projector to fill this niche more readily, with a shorter barrel and swivel base. However, by the time the plans were ready to be put into action the war had progressed, and more advanced weaponry was now available that made the Projector obsolete. A number of the earlier model Projectors still played a part in the conflict though, discouraging attacks in the Mediterranean by some smaller submarines, and a small number were adapted to fire grapnels for commando cliff assaults. In total around 4,500 Holman Projectors were put into active service during World War II, and several can still be found in museums in the United Kingdom.