I Have This Old Gun: Boys Anti-Tank Rifle

Published on January 8, 2019
Duration: 4:46

The Boys Anti-Tank Rifle, a .55 caliber bolt-action rifle, was developed by the British between the World Wars. Initially intended to counter early tanks, its effectiveness diminished as armor improved. The rifle's role shifted to anti-materiel, and it was famously used by US Marines, including during the Makin Raid. Soldier confidence was boosted by propaganda films, and many civilian-owned examples are now re-chambered in .50 BMG.

Quick Summary

The Boys Anti-Tank Rifle, a .55 caliber bolt-action rifle, was developed by the British between WWI and WWII. While effective against early tanks, its role shifted to anti-materiel as armor improved. US Marines used it successfully, and Disney produced propaganda to boost soldier confidence.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & WWI Context
  2. 00:42Development & Naming
  3. 01:20Performance & Changing Roles
  4. 02:16Soldier Confidence & Propaganda
  5. 02:42USMC Use & Makin Raid

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle?

The Boys Anti-Tank Rifle was developed by the British between WWI and WWII primarily to counter early armored vehicles. Its .55 caliber round was designed to penetrate the armor of tanks prevalent at the time.

How effective was the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle against later WWII tanks?

As tank armor evolved into thicker designs like the King Tiger, the Boys rifle's effectiveness as a dedicated anti-tank weapon diminished. It transitioned to an anti-materiel role, targeting less armored vehicles, aircraft, and equipment.

Was there a propaganda effort to promote the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle?

Yes, soldier confidence in the Boys rifle was initially low. To address this, the Walt Disney Corporation produced a propaganda training film in 1942 titled 'Stop That Tank!' to demonstrate its capabilities and boost morale.

Did the US military use the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle?

Yes, the US Marine Corps acquired Boys rifles from Canada's Inglis Corporation. They were notably used during the 1942 Makin Raid to destroy a Japanese H8K Emily seaplane.

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