THE WELROD SUPPRESSORAt an earlier stage, SOE had already experimented with reducing the blast from an ordinary pistol but even when successful in reducing the muzzle blast, the significant noise of the weapons working parts remained. In addition, a conventional weapon fitted with a suppressor became disproportionately big and consequently difficult to conceal on ones person. The decision was therefore made to develop an uncomplicated single-shot pistol based on a rotating breech to be worked manually. The Welrod differentiates from others in that it is constructed around an integrated suppressor. The entire mechanism is built into an 11.8 in. metal tube with a diameter of 1.26 in. The roughly 3.74 in. barrel ends in a bearing approximately halfway down the tube. Along the five-tracked rifling, 20 holes has been drilled with a .063 in. diameter, permitting the gases to escape into the containing cylinder housing functioning as an expansion chamber. The bearing, best described as a sort of baffle, is provided with 12 holes equally .063 in. in diameter, enabling the gases to further circulate from the expansion chamber and into the deflector system consisting of a series of baffles and washers. Here a sectioned Mk.IIA, the holes perforating the barrel along the rifling can be clearly seen. Also notice the linnen/leather washeres are almost worn out. The primary purpose of ventilating the barrel is usually to prevent the projectile from attaining supersonic speed thus breaking the sound barrier, and furthermore to take the edge off the vehemently expanding gases by detouring them into the deflector system where they are being cooled and slowed down before escaping through the muzzle. The 7.65mm Browning cartridge (.32 ACP) is factory born subsonic, why the ventilation of the barrel in this case merely serves to slow down the speed of the expanding gases. Here the receiver and barrel completely stripped and with the suppressor tube removed, the holes perforating the barrel along the rifling can be clearly seen. Also note the holes in the bearing fitted onto the muzzle. When fired, the projectile passes through 18 metal discs (baffles, see cross section and diagram below) separated by 12, 0.2 inch wide spacers and three rubber washers. The baffles are of course provided with a hole to allow the projectile to pass unobstructed, but it must be noted that four of the discs has a hole-diameter of 0.5 inch while the other 14 are but 0.37 inch across. It is extremely important when replacing the baffles that the three baffles with the wider diameter holes are placed on the outside of the washers in order to allow the washer material to expand as they are penetrated by the projectile. Notice that the three (green) baffles with the wider diameter holes are placed on the outside of the washers in order to allow the washer material to expand as they are penetrated by the projectile. The three washers have no holes until penetrated by the very first shot. The purpose of these washers are to re-seal themselves, if not entirely then as much as possible after the exit of the projectile, thus restraining the gases and forcing them into the deflector system. The washers are however quickly worn resulting in a significant decrease in noise reduction. This has no greater tactical influence though as the Welrod was solely meant as a liquidation weapon and new washers could be reinserted after the mission was completed. It was however rather difficult and laborious to reassemble all the baffles, spacers and washers in the correct succession, not just because of the importance of maintaining maximum sound reduction, but also because damage to the internal parts and great bodily harm to the operator easily could occur if the baffles were stacked in reverse order. Due to lack of free space for the washer to expand, this could result in the projectile exiting through the side of the silencer tube, or it could simply get plugged up in the damaged internal parts. Whether this was the reason for the next development I cannot say, but it is a fact that a disposable silencer unit ready to insert if needed was developed. It consists of an enclosed brass tube 1.151" in diameter and 3.536" in length. It contains all the baffles, spacers and washers, the only difference being that the discs are made from brass and the washers from solid rubber. all the operator has to do is to unscrew the silencer tube end-cap. and then screw the end-cap back on. It’s now ready for a new mission and many more suppressed shots. . (Photo courtesy of INTAREX . An identical disposable silencer unit measuring 1.476" in length was developed for the Sleeve gun. Notice the rubber washer has been encapsulated with a roll crimp and is protruding from the brass tube. To the right is the unit without the steel baffle in place. top off with a steel disk from the old system. extract the used unit and drop in the new one.The Netherlands) The enclosed silencer unit shown with the steel baffle on top of the encapsulated rubber washer. The reason for this is to make sure that the unit will fit tight in the tube and not rattle back and forth. (Photo courtesy of INTAREX .151" in diameter but only 2.The Netherlands) With this unit in hand.The enclosed silencer unit with a loose steel baffle. .The speed of sound at a temperature of 15 centigrade travels 1.380 ACP. the speed of sound increase accordingly by 1. the Welrod delivers a 72 Grain Kynoch projectile at a muzzle speed of 920 fps.6 fps.115 fps. (0. or 340 m/s if you like. DECIBEL Reportedly the suppressor functions optimally within the first 10 – 15 rounds fired. Hi-Standard Automatic Pistol calibre . For every single centigrade rise in temperature. from the muzzle. 1945. All measurements are performed at a perpendicular angle 10 ft. performed a measurement on noise from suppressed weapons to help evaluate their own just finished prototype. For those who prefer dry numbers I can inform that the American OSS (Office of Strategic Service). according to a document dated February 12. According to the manual.5 m/s.) It is therefore important to maintain a certain tolerance between the muzzle speed and the speed of sound if the optimal sound reduction is to be obtained. has a noise level of 105 dB.) is the breech being twisted into the open position.22LR percussion cap followed by the sound of a match being struck. Observe that the shot itself hardly is louder than the loading procedure. The first short peak (1.380 ACP at 81 dB and Hi-Standard . The second (2. a non-suppressed calibre .) is the withdrawal of the breech. I am personally of the opinion that the decibel factor is too intangible a notion to deal with. Should the operator choose to reload the weapon immediately upon discharge.32 ACP pistol. This equals. in the case of the Welrod. In comparison. the match-sound being the gases slowly seeping from the suppressor. 10 dB is tenfold the value and 20 dB a hundredfold.22LR at 71 dB. Above is a visualised picture of the sound profile generated during the loading procedure and the firing of the Welrod Mk IIA.) Is the shot and (5. Judge for yourself the sound of the Welrod Mk IIA: . Hi Standard . (3. Hence the sound of a suppressed shot is best described as the sound of a . a noise reduction of approximately 32 dB. You need to keep in mind that the decibel-scale is logarithmic as opposed to linear. 6 dB you quadruple. why I much prefer an audio/visual explanation and comparison. From 1 dB to 3 dB you double the value. the hissing sound of the gases will then be replaced by a dull “plop” as the gases are now released at once under pressure through the chamber.From the document it can be seen that the average noise level of the Welrod pistol was at 73 dB.) is the breech being slid forward and twisted back into the locked position.) is the sound of the gases slowly and under pressure seeping from the suppressor. (4. Some claim that the American slang-expression "rod" referring to "gun". The tool is stamped with the typical British arrow mark which is odd since they tried to cover their track in every other way. but this seems very unlikely.After firing 15 rounds or so. In many cases. To further add to the confusion you will find that the American weapons-literature in several places refer to the Welrod as "Hand Firing Device Mk I ". long. I aimed a letter to The Naval Historical Centre who in turn replied with the following explanation: . this is an error.23 in.16 in. Having removed the muzzle endcap. is the real reason behind the lettering ROD. I imagine that the mix up occurred when the “American” . documents from OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESERCH & DEVELOPMENT come across the spelling “Well Rod”. The result was the Welrod Mk I. just to further confuse the issue. ACP. I have also come across other combinations. linen patch glued onto a . 9mm Parabellum. as when it comes to the stamps on the pistols. In order to uncover the reason behind this.5 in. In the case where the referral is to British Welrods.32 ACP is consistently referred to as Mk I just as the Welrod 9mm Parabellum is referred to as Mk II. the Welrod . The extraction tool was a cylindrical metal rod approximately . I have also on a few accounts. One end formed the shape of a an “L” and the other was bend in a loop.S. but the fact that Welwyn is situated about 120 miles from the town of Wells pretty much exclude the possibility that Wells could be the cause for the prefix. the efficiency of the suppressor is considerably reduced as the holes in the washers are being worn to the size of the calibre itself. questioned the efficiency of the caliber . It was only later when some field operators due to bad experiences.32 ACP’s were designated Mk I. the L-shaped end was inserted through the washers and baffles and these could then be removed by extracting the tool with a finger through the loop. rubber patch.32 ACP. I feel the need to mention the fact that in literature. an extraction tool together with a small canvas bag containing 3 spare washers. was issued permitting the operator to change these as the need arose. MISINFORMATION Welrod Mk II was from the beginning constructed around caliber 32. No stamps indicating a British production are to be found there. that it was decided to further develop the Mk II. among others in U. across and 5.03 in. The washers came in different variants such as a . If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. [/quote] There is apparently also some confusion concerning the official American designation. But on the Welrod that is kept in the Ministry of Defence/Pattern Room. the Sleeping Beauty and the Welbum but to mention a few.A. now retired. The Navy did accept the pistol for use. Reeves. Lt. Other sources claims that that the Welrod is named after the inventor whos name is Welwyn! None of these allegations are true.380 ACP and . It is a fact that the Commander of the Frythe was Major John Robert Vernon Dolphin (later Lt. Gary Powers on board his American U2 spy plane when he was shot down over the USSR. it was assigned the official nomenclature "Hand Firing Device Mark 1". From July through September 1943. After the war he became involved in a project concerning noise reduction in jet engines. Several. as I have been unable to find firm and trustworthy information on the subject. which almost always is . This is not correct.45 ACP. SAS (Special Air Service) operators report that the Welrod was in use during the Falklands. by Fredric Boyce and Douglas Everett. The document reveal that the inventor of both the Welrod and the Sleevegun was Major H. He was carrying out tests on a Hunter Mark V fitted with a Sapphire engine. The book "SOE The Scientific Secrets". It is equally well documented that the . 1955 at Bitteswell Airfield. and that his real name was never revealed to the public. in Northern Ireland. While making an examination he was suddenly drawn into the intake of the silencer and received fatal injuries. Eventually. The serial number is not listed in High Standards annals. fluorescent night sights. He was among other behind the STENgun silencer. The document that was produced towards the end of the war was to ensure that the right persons would be properly credited for their inventions. they worked with the US Army and Marine Corps to investigate the properties of the Welrod and make final recommendations for its use.). as the gun was delivered to the CIA. and even as late as in the 1991 Gulf war. This provided a clandestine nomenclature. Washington Navy Yard. Unfortunatly he was killed in an accident on October 25. the marking on the silencer tube says: . and denoted its use for special applications. stating that the Welrod was part of the equipment carried by Flt. Mr Reeves was investigating the problem of reducing noise from jet engines running on the ground. Sussex late in 1909. Flt. Major Reeves was one of the most productive and creative engineers attached to Station IX. STATUS Welrod Mk I and Mk IIA stayed in service for many years after the end of the war. I will briefly mention that persistent rumors circulate stating that the Welrod was also manufactured in calibers .Q.32 Hand Firing Device Mk I. Several places in litterature it can be found that the Welrod was developed by a British officer codenamed "Major Dolphin".[quote] It would appear that the Naval Gun Factory. Gary Powers was armed with a silenced HiStandard model USA-HD caliber .22LR. serial number 120046. features a reprint of Newly released document from the Public Record Office (PRO) in England. but that he should have chosen a codename identical with his real name seems rather unlikely. Lt.32 Hand Firing MECHANISM Mk I. This cannot be confirmed. Col. did some of research and experimentation. Major Hugh Quentin Alleyne Reeves was born in Seaford. Twice during my research I have come across information. but that is another story entirely. MODEL I Preceding any successful invention there are always one or several prototypes.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) (Photo . The following is a brief description of the Welrod's predecessor. If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. As late as 1965.American SOG (Studies and Observations Group) were using the Welrod in Vietnam.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) . (Photo . the Welrod was still listed in their inventory. as is the case with the Welrod pistol. the Model-1. just as the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) have had the Mk I in their armouries for use in “C landestine Operations”. Though noticeably shorter than on the later Mk II and furthermore here. This means that the pistol had to be loaded from the top and with the breech open.One of the more notable differences is found in the bolt action. placing it snugly to the side of the pistol in order to prevent it from snagging on the operator´s clothing. (Photo . . a conventional reloading mechanism similar to that of the Mauser K98. an integrated part of the pistol thus not detachable. The difference in the trigger also distinctly stands out as it is positioned on the left side of the pistol and therefore must be activated with a forward movement of the thumb.32 ACP. the Mauser C96.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) Unfortunately this results in the loss of an otherwise relatively good grip on the pistol at the moment of trigger activation. The double stack magazine holds 5 rounds of calibre . The last major difference has to do with the pistol grip. It is made from sheet metal and doubly functions as a cover for the pistols magazine.g. as with e. The bolt itself has been tilted in a further downward angle. 32 ACP. the clumsy bolt-action system.The double stack magazine holds 5 rounds of calibre . which makes for a somewhat clumsy and disharmonic design. (Photo .Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) On the aesthetical side. the main difference is probably that the suppressor is not carried through the length of the pistol. ending with the model we know today as the Welrod Mk II. but the fact that the pistol had to be loaded from the top. the reduced grip upon trigger activation and the disproportionate size of the pistol grip all combined to lead to redesign of the construction around March 1943.Courtesy of the Royal Armouries) (Photo . Generally the design was met with satisfaction. . If this order was actually executed before the Mk. After the trials it was decided to manufacture 500 for stock at Station XII. (Photo . If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. I have been unable to determine.II went into production.Courtesy of the Royal Armouries) In November 1942 on behalf of the Chief of Combined Operations (CCO) and Capt. .Close-up of trigger mechanism. Sykes a number of examples were made and tested the following month. is dated September 6. is the shape of the trigger and the trigger-guide.II does not have the triggerplate side plates (rails) to guide the trigger-plate but instead the trigger-plate is mounted with four screws through four milled slots in the trigger-plate to the bottom of the receiver. England. in both 9mm and .IIA recently discovered. These slots serves the purpose of guiding the trigger-plate. measures 12. The primary difference between the two basic models. On to the tube is fitted an approximately 1 inch magazine housing. to define with certainty the difference between the two. IIA On the exterior the pistol consists only of the tube which. tested along with 76 other devices during the period October 1. GUNS LTD.October 10. In other words the Mk. It is tempting to assume that these modifications resulted in the change of designation from Mk. especially since the drawing of the Mk. Both versions received a "B" grading meaning "substantial modifications needed". The alterations were solely made for reasons of production and had no influence on the functionality or use of the pistol.S. II AND Mk. the number of spacers and bafflers etc. The housing fits a modified .IIA was still under development during the trial.IIA.A. On the Mk II the ejector port scallop was ground along the length of the weapon (oval shape) whereas on the post #3300 series the ejector port has been ground perpendicularly to the length of weapon (angular shape). It should be noted that other variants than the above-mentioned can occur as these descriptions only adhere to the Welrods I have had the opportunity to study. Welrod Mk I (9mm Parabellum) was equally produced in at least two variants "Type A" and "Type B". whereas on the later model (Mk IIA) it is fixated with a mandrel stamp on the top of the tube in front of the ejector port. 1944. Sadly the character of the modifications was never specified in detail why the question remains unanswered. Furthermore the Mk II bear resemblance of having been made "by hand" whereas on the pistols beginning around the #3000 series (Mk IIA) can be clearly seen the signs of an industrialisation in the production technique. or the way the suppressor was "packed".VARIANTS Mk II was dropped into Denmark in several variants. Typically these are things like the shape of the sights. According to the drawing the last revision was made August 8. The Mk. the Welrod was. 1943 and marked with the trademark: B.II to Mk.32ACP. DESCRIPTION OF Mk. The suppressor tube that is screwed onto the receiver is on the early model (Mk II) fixated with a pin on the side of the receiver.2 inches. 1943 . including the breech. the Mk II and Mk IIA. According to a document from The Public Record Office. 1944. Furthermore lesser variations can occur on both basic models as the changes were made currently. I have not been able however. Unfortunately this system turned out to be inexpedient. the mechanism locks into a little square hole on the back of the housing. The safety of the pistol is a so-called grip safety. the pistol can pass for almost anything. Several of the Mk IIA's and Mk I's inspected bear semblance of having been painted black. Several areas still have paint residue around the trigger. sheathed in rubber (Ebonite). The sights are basic front and rear with ability to horizontally adjust the rear sight. The magazine. trigger-guide and magazine housing. best described as a bent nail. The safety works by mechanically blocking the action of the trigger but not that of the firing pin. I have not yet been able to determine.magazine from a Colt Pocket Model 1903 . . The modification consists of a little locking mechanism soldered onto the back of the magazine. The Mk II's are bi-coloured in that the receiver is brownish.32 ACP pistol. It is parkerized and the finish appears steely grey. When inserted into the magazine housing. If they actually at some point in time were black or the reason is another. When a firm grip is maintained around the pistol grip the grip safety will be activated and lift the safety bar that blocks the trigger plate and the weapon can be fired. It was quickly dubbed "The bicycle pump" due to its anonymous appearance. The Mk. Even though the magazine holds 8 rounds the manual recommends the loading of 5 rounds maximum in order to ensure a reliable feed of the chamber upon reloading.4 lb. is contrary to the Mk I not protected by a trigger-guard. as the operator in extreme cases risked accidentally activating the locking mechanism thus ejecting the magazine.IIA pistols appears well made. doubly functions as the pistols grip. The rubber magazine is black. The pistol weights 2. With the magazine off. meaning that it cannot simply be tucked into the belt without risking involuntarily to release a shot. The trigger. sturdy of construction and without lavish detail. among others. and at the same time cocking the firing pin. from the Luger P. The pin is of the "floating" kind. The breech has its two locking lugs placed to the rear.5 inch till it reaches the stopping-screw.IIA to the right. To lock the breech. Note the special extractor tool under the bag. This is accomplished by twisting the knurly end of the breech 90 degrees counter clockwise and pull it back approximately 1.II on the left and a Mk. Hereby the empty cartridge is extracted and ejected vertically as with the Luger P.Here can be seen an original washer set consisting of three linnen/rubber washers in a canvas bag. as we know it. peeling a round of the magazine and feeding it into the chamber. The breech is then pushed forward. The pistols is a Mk. FUNCTION The pistol is a single-shot weapon but since it is operated and basically functions as a bolt-action rifle it is possible to repeat relatively fast. . this is now twisted 90 degrees clockwise and the pistol is ready to fire. 08.08 and basically functions in the same manner. The notches must be aligned to ensure correct locking of the breech. allowing the breech to be extracted from the receiver.as opposed to modern rifles where the lugs are placed in front of the breech head. For cleaning or maintenance the stop-screw is unscrewed with a coin or similar. Here is shown the two V-shaped notches in the breech and the receiver respectively. As there is no protruding grip on the breech. . Note Mk II (above) has more of an oval shaped ejector port scallop as opposed to the Mk IIA (below) that is angular. you can visually verify the correct locking by checking that the purpose made V-shaped notch on the knurly part is aligned with the V-shaped notch in the receiver just behind the rear sight. Here can be clearly seen the differences in the trigger-guide and the trigger shape along with its spring mechanism. Mk II (above). It is also clearly visible how the grip safety bar blocks the trigger platform to prevent unintended activation (click for larger photo). Keeping in mind the purpose for which it was built, it is obvious why the Welrod had no place on the open battlefields. This statement is supported in the English manual from December 1943 where the reason for the shape of the nose cap is given as follows: The nose cap of the weapon is hollowed to enable an operator to place it tightly against the body of a person and fire. The noise is then still further reduced. This will allow the shooting of a man in a crowd with the minimum chance of detection. For this purposes, there is no question of any special training. Here can be seen the particular shape of the nose cap that is being referred to in the manual. Mk II (above) was fitted with a disproportionately long foresight compared to the later Mk IIA (below). Here can be seen the stopping-screw that ensures that the breech is not extracted Only on the first few models the two end-digits "37" of the serial number was stamped into the trigger platform.hence the fluorescent coating on the sights .from the receiver during the loading procedure. Welrod Mk IIA dismantled. and in darkness . Note the barrel bearing with the 12 vents as well as the insides of the silencer here shown exactly as it was packed.7 to 10 yards. The magazine well has been forced into a milling in the receiver and then silver soldered for permanent fixation. In the same manual the effective range in daylight is given to be 25 yards. Note the rails guiding the trigger. The manual does however recommend that the operational distance be kept to within 8 yards. The barrel has been fixed to the receiver with a pin. A . the left elbow should be held as close in to the body as possible. extreme accuracy is required.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries). Mk. Click for closeup photo of trigger group. Welrod MkI. It can only be obtained by correct trigger squeeze. If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail.I. The gun should be held with the thumb and forefinger as close up to the muzzle as possible. . For standing shots. that is by gradual squeeze of the whole hand. Caliber 9mm parabellum (Photo . With training and practice it will be found quite possible to get very accurate groups at the distances mentioned.prerequisite for shooting at 25 yards is explained as follows: For these deliberate shot. the pistol grip being held by the right hand no harder than is necessary to compress the safety catch. I have the manuals for both the “Type A” and “Type B”. (Photo courtesy of INTAREX . Notice the one to the left with the slot cut in the face.The Netherlands) . Still. but to the best of my efforts there are no visible differences between the two. suppressor end caps. The difference is most likely in the internal suppressor tube construction.Alas I’ve been less successful in obtaining adequate information about the Mk I version. Differences in the end cap has been noticed however as some caps has a slot cut in the face allowing a tool to be insert to assist loosen or tightening the cap. This particular silencer has never been fired and there is still traces of glue and paper from the factory seal. 9mm Welrod Mk.I. I have enough for a reasonable description. c) By use of the weapon at the closest quarters. that only 5 be loaded. The rear piece. has a length of 125 mm bringing the pistol to a total length of 360 mm. The magazine is most likely from a .e.e. detachable just in front of the front sight. a gradual squeeze by the whole hand. It is accurate up to 30 yards in daylight or 20 yards on a fairly light night. With training and practice it is possible to obtain very accurate groups at the distances mentioned. the left elbow should be as close to the body as possible and the rear of the gun approximately 6”/7”from the operator´s eye. The grip safety is slightly different in appearance but functions in the exact same manner. whereas the front piece contains the baffles and washers section. barrel and expansion chamber. It is silent. The construction itself is practically identical to that of the Mk IIA with the exception of a few details. . intended for use by specially trained operators for specific tasks.In the manuals under FUNCTION. due to the previously mentioned problems on the Mk II and Mk IIA. The gun should be held with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand as close up to the muzzle as possible. with the muzzle against the target. and the manual directs that although the total capacity allows for 6 bullets. The front piece. Welrod is a silent single shot pistol. the pistol grip being held by the right hand. reliable in action and easy to conceal. For this purpose no special training is required. but is most effective when fired in contact with the target. For deliberate shots. a secondary manually operated safety catch has been added. GENERAL DESCRIPTION and under NOTES ON USE texts are identical and read as follows: FUNCTION: The 9mm. The tube diameter is 35 mm. Placed underneath the tube right behind the grip safety. For standing shots. contains the breech. and the weight of the pistol is 1500 grams which equals 53 ounce. as with Mk II and Mk IIA. extreme accuracy is required and can only be obtained by correct trigger squeeze. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The weapon is a specially constructed single shot pistol with a detachable silencer. The magazine release has. i. The trigger and trigger-function remains the same. i. but is now protected by a trigger guard. The true difference lies with the suppressor tube that is two-piece. b) Without its silencer and used as a single-shot weapon. NOTES ON USE: The gun has three distinct and separate uses: a) For aimed and deliberate shots in daylight or darkness. been moved in front of the grip and inside the trigger guard.38 Colt Automatic. The effective range of the gun with normal handling is 15/30 yards. Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries). Notice the vax paper seal showing us that this is a new silencer ready for use. The suppressor piece differentiates markedly from Mk II and Mk IIA.9mm Welrod Mk. The discs must be placed with the canvas facing the breech end.104 inch in diameter. (Photo . The spacer creates yet another expansion chamber for the gases to cool of in before passing through the last washer. A metal baffle is placed on the canvas side and a compressed felt disc with a 13/32 inch hole and a metal baffle are placed on the upper side of the washer facing the muzzle end. In this case the holes serve the purpose of preventing the bullets from going supersonic as is the standard of 9 mm Parabellum ammunition. The few examples I have had the opportunity to examine have all been marked with a 5 digit serial number as well as the familiar “star and square” stamp under the receiver. .I. The pistol will function despite the front piece being removed. It consists of 2 washers made from Linatex and reinforced with a layer of canvas on one side. Later versions had the washers without canvas attached and they look and feel like modern rubber chemical plugs. however the noise reduction will be non exsisting. allowing the powder gases to escape into the expansion chamber surrounding the barrel.068 inch diameter holes. The advantage to a detachable suppressor part is obvious as this makes the weapon considerably easier to conceal. with the suppressor unscrewed. In between is a metal spacer best described as a spool from a sewing machine perforated on the axis by 24 holes . A brief description of the silencer assembly is as follows: The barrel is perforated with 12 . X-ray of 9mm Welrod Mk.I. (X-ray courtesy of INTAREX . (Photo courtesy of INTAREX .The Netherlands) 9mm Welrod Mk.I. suppressor. suppressor field stripped.The Netherlands) . renders the weapon efficient at 20 yards on a bright summer eve.The Netherlands) The muzzle velocity is approx. according the manual. The iron sights are coated with a fluorescent material that. The effective range in daylight is reported to be 30 yards.9mm Welrod Mk. the Mk I is operated and functions as the Mk II and Mk IIA. . (Photo courtesy of INTAREX . The recommended maximal shooting range is 24 yards. 1000 fps. suppressor field stripped. Apart from the manually operated safety and the magazine release.I. Ramos . (Drawing Joe M. .Canada) If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail.Diagram of Welrod Mk.l. The only distinguishing markings on the pistols were that of a little five-pointed star and square along with a serial number.PRODUCTION Having completed the final design.S.). in addition to the above mentioned position are also stamped into the breech and etched into the magazine with an electrical pen. The production Welrods were made with current production Colt magazines. The molded ebonite grip was slightly differently shaped than on most of those we find today. The very first bore no markings at all. Also the magazine was of a different model which can best be distinguished on the magazine jaws. numeric only.was commissioned to mass produce the Welrod pistol. Birmingham . When the magazines began to bear markings it was only the two last digits of the serial number. Not all magazines bear serial numbers however. All markings were stamped underneath on the tube right behind the pistol grip. Small Heat. . are either 4 or 5 digits and.A. The cut -outs for the magazine locking mechanism can vary somewhat in shape and size. The serial numbers. the Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.in all probability and under great secrecy . This was an earlier Colt magazine that was used until 1926 and apparently happened to be available yet. On some of the first grips a cross-filed pattern can in rare cases be seen on the locking mechanism. Probably not until around #3000 was the full serial number marked on the magazine and it is also around this time the grip got its final design by making the “neck” sturdier. The one to the left is one of the first models with a slim “neck” this particular one has no nu mber stamped. The one to the right is the "standard” grip with the "fat" neck. Also notice that the locking mechanism on the early one is cross-filed. . On the Mk IIA series the entire serial number has been etched into magazine whereas this Mk II model (above) only has the two last digits "37" on the back. On some of the Welrods I have had the opportunity to inspect these markings have varied between – and on occasion appeared in combinations of-: "F". Above is shown examples of 4 different stamped markings. On the pistol to the left is stamped with an “F” and “k” whereas the pistol on the right bears an “L” inside a figure of double diamonds and a “P” inside a circle. ."L". Yet it has not been possible to establish their true significance. The square and the five-pointed star appear without exception on all of the inspected weapons. A qualified guess is that the markings represent a form of testing and/or inspection or maybe some sort of coding like the German “byf”. In addition I have seen “L” inside a figure of double diamonds and “P” inside a circle."D"."T". Less noticeable are the markings one may find on the butt of the receiver. The steel ball protruding top left on the receiver is spring loaded and assure s that the closed breech is held in place by locking into a corresponding hole on the breech. Apparently there is no pattern or system to these markings. “ac” and others that indicated place of production of German weapons. Far from all of the pistols carry these markings."Z". “cyq”. A.S.S. . we have no information regarding production development or variations of these pistols. has been unable to confirm this. They claim none of the pistols bore serial numbers or other markings that could reveal the manufacturer. All we know is that they were produced by a number of companies in Britain including B. On this Mk II the serial number is stamped along the length of the tube whereas the Mk IIA is stamped abeam of the length. therefore. Here is an excerpt from the correspondence: [quote] Regarding the information that you are requesting on the Welrod pistol. did not mark the weapons then who did? The National Firearms Centre (NFC) in Leeds. [/quote] But if B.IIA pistol.S. The text “PROTOTYPE WELROD Mk.A.IIA” is engraved on the left side of the receiver just below the rear sight. They. This does in my humble opinion mean that the star most likely belong to the Birmingham Small Arms factory and was put there during the production. The interesting part however is that the only mark to be found is the five pointed star exactly as we know it from all the other models. B. and these were developed specifically for covert operations in occupied Europe. although we have in the past manufactured specific parts for these particular pistols. bore no serial numbers or indication as to where they were manufactured.Here is clearly shown the small square marking along with the five-pointed star.A. England has a rare prototype of the Welrod Mk. They do however confirm having produced parts for the Welrod as well as entire pistols but that several other British companies were involved in the production. Custodian MOD Pattern Room) . (Photo Richard D.The text is stamped on the receiver below the rear sight. Jones. Custodian MOD Pattern Room) I regret not being able to account for the significance of the markings in a more precise manner than the above written so I will leave it up to each individual to draw his own conclusions.000.I bears the date May 17. 1956! (printing is faded and difficult to read). (Photo Richard D. A recently discovered drawing of the Mk.. were supposedly produced.S. The beginning of the production of the Mk I so late in the war is undoubtedly the reason it was never dropped into Denmark. 1944 with the last revision made on what looks like May 15. GUNS LTD. . According to the serial numbers at least 14. The drawing is marked with the trademark: B. The amount produced is unknown.A. Not until the middle of 1944 did the production of Mk I get under way. The production of the Mk II was not officially up and running until late 1943. but several documents reveals that it was indeed available already at the beginning of 1943. England. Jones.Only the five pointed star is to be found on the prototype which indicates that it was in fact a British marking. The highest serial number I have come across is #14. DISTRIBUTION From the serial numbers I have collected I have tried to gain a general view of the number of Welrods Mk IIA produced. #1000 and #9000 series.1 & 9).359 and the lowest is #2. I have yet to find a pistol in the #100. Another possibility is that the #9000 series was earmarked for another country like Norway or France.Part of the engineering drawing showing the bolt and receiver. with the exception of a few series (0. The pistols are. (Drawing from the MOD Pattern Room) If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail.008 (Mk II). both of which received a good deal of Welrods just like the US is a possibility as we know that they received a considerable amount. represented throughout the entire spectrum. Perhaps the production started at #2000 and maybe the #9000 series was completely skipped from production. . It’s more likely however that I just haven’t had the luck to find any Welrods from the miss ing series yet. This leads me to believe that the serial numbers corresponds with the number of pistols actually produced. 000 through 1. Muus aka “Jam” to Commander R. none of these silent weapons has been displayed in armament museums. Altogether about 150 reached Denmark during . Chief Flemming B.000 through 1. dated July 31. Diagram of the pattern of dropped Welrods in Denmark according to serial numbers."[/quote] So at this point in time it must have been relatively unknown to the resistance movement. 2008). The vertical axis represents the number of registered pistols (updated June 25. 2008). Have heard of such an instrument. In case of delivery the package must be marked “To be opened by JAM only”.999 and so forth. The vertical axis represents the number of registered pistols (updated June 25. It has proven impossible to pinpoint exactly when the first pistol was dropped over the kingdom. He writes: [quote]"Although mass-produced in Britain during World War II.000 primarily got here via some of the numerous weapon drops to the resistance movement during the last third of the war. Hollingworth aka “CHOP”. 1943. for they were created specifically for the unmentionable assassination of traitors. Lampe author of The Savage Canary from 1957. while the #6000 through 14.E. “1” represents serial numbers 1. The advantage is supposedly the complete sound suppression. On the horizontal axis. but according to David B. It is equally difficult to ascertain how many in total were dropped.O. “Jam” writes: [quote]"Rubber Pistol. we received about 150. “1” represents serial numbers 1. Diagram of the pattern of all known Welrods according to serial numbers. “0” are pistols with serial numbers 0 through 999. C. “0” are pistols with serial numbers 0 through 999.999 and so forth. but in paragraph 15 in an extensive correspondence from the Danish S.My qualified guess is that the first pistols in the range #2000 through #5000 arrived here with some of the in all 53 SOE agents who were parachuted into Denmark. On the horizontal axis. The pistol was in 1966 donated to the Museum of Danish Resistance by Jens Lillelund. and another in Gronholt hedge February 26. would not measure up to the inevitable retaliations that would be carried out on already captured members of the resistance movement as well as on innocent civilians.the occupation. 1945. 1945 and in March 23. 1944 by Gunner Dyrberg with a STENgun. Henry Meister is wounded in the stomach and immediately return fire thereby killing “Max”. Hedvig Delbo in her apartment in Osterbro. 1945 in Hobro in Jutland also contained Welrod pistols. 1943: Jens Lillelund aka “Finn” and Bent Faurschou -Hviid aka ”The Torch” attempts to liquidate the informant Mrs. as it was estimated that the gain by the liquidation seen from a military perspective. contained 18 Welrod pistols. 1944: Henning Roge aka ”Max” tried with a Welrod to kill the infamous informant Henry Meister on Vesterbrogade in Norrsundby. November 17. 1944: Mrs. were most likely equipped with the Welrod. Copenhagen. Frederikke Rungager. The latest officially known instances of the Welrod’s use in Denmark are as follows: December 14. A second attempt is carried out successfully on March 19. four of whom made the trip twice. age 37. was to be shot in his suite at the Palace Hotel in Copenhagen. Josef Terboven who was a top Nazi and Norway’s answer to Czechoslovakia’s Reinhard Heydrich. is liquidated at Aarhus County Hospital with a Welrod by a member of the Staal group."[/quote] A drop in Grib forest at Smorstenen April 12. Unfortunately it is not known how many. For the job “Axel” presented the first Welrod seen in Denmark. was to disguise themselves as waiters and shoot Josef Terboven in his room. October 11. The plan was aborted however. the parachute agents Ole Geisler aka ”Aksel” and Jens Lillelund aka ”Finn” planned to assassinate Norway’s Reichskommisar Josef Terboven during a visit to Denmark. . and some of the in total 53 deployed SOE agents. In the fall of 1943. Again in December 1943: Jorgen Rojel borrows a Welrod from parachute agent Jens Jacob Jensen aka “Jens” aka “Pudding” to carry out a liquidation. Two “Holger Danske” (a group within the resistance movement) members carrying each their Welrod. Additionally a number of drops earlier during the occupation contained Welrods. the Welrod was used in an assassination attempt on Mrs. April 19. It should be noted that back in those days too. should therefore not be attributed any specific significance. (Click for English translation). regarding an investigation of a Welrod pistol. the press utterly uncritically used the term “revolver” or “pistol”.The article advertising Mrs. in these instances erroneous designations. 1944 respectively. The. as well as the liquidation of Mr. 1943. 1944 and an unnamed person in Copenhagen. Hedvig Delbo December 14. According to the report. Rungagers decease. In the archives of The Museum of Danish Resistance is a report from the Technical Department of the Federal Police. whenever the referral was to a handgun regardless of type or make. . Nordahl in Aarhus in January 3. It was not unknown to the police that suppressed pistols . 1944.The liquidation in Aarhus January 3. ) Article from January 6.were used for assassinations. . (Click for English translation). 1944.(Click for resume in English. During his escape he shot and killed a German sentry with his Welrod. Kaj Jensen was killed in action on Martz 16. 1945. John however got away by crawling several kilometers on his hands and knees. To the less dramatic accounts of the Welrod in action belongs the story of “The Torch” who around Christmas 1943 shoots a swan in Frederiksberg gardens and serves it for his friends at a later festive occation. In the beginning of December 1944. He was supposed to steal a newly developed locating unit from a parked night fighter. No details on how it was used other than to safeguard the employees and guards. (Resume in English is not available for the moment). April 19. Unfortunately they were discovered by a German patrol and Knud Helge Hejl got captured. The operation was carried out with the help from an airport employee named Knud Helge Hejl. In June 1944 Kaj Jensen a member of the illegal resistance group BOPA used a Welrod during the one hour long raid on Hærens Våbenarsenal (the army’s production facility). . Svend Otto Nielsen aka ”John” on request from England carried out a spectacular operation against the German fighter planes at Kastrup Airport. 1944.Article describing the liquidation in Copenhagen. Schwerdt. On January 24. Christensen was dead before he hit the ground. trains. a terror organization devised by SS Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler. cinemas. Schwerdt and Nebel each had a Welrod that they had test fired the same day. but also against the ordinary noncombatant Danish citizen. went through the brain and exited through his forehead right above his right eye.scient. Otto Wagner sneaked up behind him and shot him with his Welrod in the back of the head. Carstensen and Nebel went with Dam to his study room. Dam was hit in the back and left thigh but also took a bullet to the head fracturing a part of his skull and left eye. In charge he put Hauptsturmführer Otto Alexander Schwerdt but he also ordered the SS men Louis Nebel and Anton Gföller to assist him. It was also decided that for every German killed in Denmark. Otto Wagner and the SS Unterscharfürer Fritz Himmel. Snog-Christensen was kidnapped in front of his home by Henning Bothildsen Nielsen. and fired one shot into the back of his head.Several of the airdropped weapons and explosive were captured and used by the Germans against the resistance. I. 1945 around 12:00 pm William Prieme. The group was named the Peter-group (“Unternehmung Peter” in German). On August 30. and little did he know that Oberfähnrich Droos also from Sonderkommando Dänemark was positioned in the shadows only 30 meters from his entrance door. The Peter-Group escaped without injuries. 1944 around 08:00 am cand. On December 30. All though critical injured Dam survived the assassination attempt. Schwerdt intervened and in all three shot were fired. 1943 around 06:30pm Otto Schwerdt. The Peter-group. 1944 around 06:00pm High Court lawyer Holger Christensen is on his way home after a long day at work. They sneaked up behind Prieme . The killing was executed by Kurt Heel and Bothildsen Nielsen from the notorious Peter-group. the name was created from Schwedt’s cover name “Peter Schäffer”. In an effort to fight and suppress the resistance activity. He didn´t notice that he was followed by SS Unterscharfürer Fritz Himmel from Sonderkommando Dänemark. Inside the house they waited until the sun had set. Louis Nebel. and that there was a person on board that they need him to identify. made it their signature only to use captured weapons and explosives. Dam’s wife let them in. When Christensen had passed Droos by about 10 meters he raised his Welrod pistol. and when it was dark they took him to the beach telling him that they expected a boat to arrive anytime soon. Ludvig Huf and Kurt Carstensen all members of the Peter-Group nocked on the door to the apartment of Editor Christian Dam in Copenhagen. trams and other public friendly places. SS Standartenfürer Otto Anton Rolf Skorzeny on behalf of Heinrich Himmler created a “Sonderkommando Dänemark” which sole purpose was to kill famous or otherwise well-known or productive Danish citizen. among them the Danish speaking SS Oberscharfürer Kurt Carstensen. Huf. The full jacketed projectile pierced his Italian Borsalino hat. Hauptsturmführer Henning Brøndum. Inside the room Nebel pulled his Welrod but Dam immediately jumped him and got hold on the suppressor tube and they both fell to the floor. On February 3. Gföller stayed guard outside while Schwerdt. a well know member of the parliament was shot and killed by a shot in the head on the street in broad daylight. Anton Gföller. They drove him to a safe house at the beach in Snekkersten owned by the German Sicherheitsdienst. both Germans and native Danes sympathizing with the German ideology. Together they recruited several men. the back of his skull.techn. When they reached the beach and Snog-Christensen faced the ocean. Ludvig Huf. He collapsed without a sound and was dead before hitting the sand.E. 5 Danish citizens were to be killed in retaliation. Somehow they found a profound irony in fighting the resistance with weapons delivered by the Allied. and perform terror by blowing up amusement parks. 1945 Target practice at Frodeslund. P. but as I know only of second hand reports with no official documentation to support the claims I have chosen not to list them here. Denmark after the liberation. There is no doubt that the Welrod has seen far more action than above mentioned accounts. Denmark date 05. O. The operation called for the occupied countries to simultaneously assassinate as many Gestapo and SS officials as . The photo is from Nykøbing Falster. Below are 2 rare photos of a resistance fighter and his Welrod.05. 1943. reveals the planning of "Operation Execution Month" in June 22. Prieme's hat was blown off from the impact and for a second or two Prieme just stood still.O.and then Heel fired his Welrod into the back of his head. I. The killing was done in retaliation for the resistances assassination of the Nazi Chief of the Schalburg Corps. then he slowly fell forward like a piece of lumber. 1945. Madsen on January 22.E in the National Archives UK. Newly(2002) released documents (HS 8/199) from the archives of S. Lieutenant T. and for the posting of death warrants. For this purpose alone. for the necessary distribution of suitable weapons. officials.S. "EXECUTION" Campaign. It is considered that to achieve the maximum effect it should be carried out simultaneously in all countries. It is suggested that as a start a certain month be declared an "execution" month. Below I have copied the text of a document containing a draft of the plan. a message went out to increase the production of Welrods in order to meet the demands of the pending campaign. Sufficient time must be allowed for thorough preparation. Drawing illustrating a Danish resistance fighter liquidating a GESTAPO official. but must necessarily be from June.possible within a given month. Preliminary discussion shows that there are considerable possibilities in organising a widespread "execution" campaign in occupied territories against Gestapo and S. 1943. . Unfortunately this exact document is not dated. 3."Execution" Campaign. D/FIN. AD/N. I found the account in The National Archives UK. until this is settled. (d) The target date for the campaign should be 1st. On present information the production situation is most unsatisfactory. I have kept it to the text relevant to the subject. In attendance: PSO.O. AD/Z. but as the entire account is far too voluminous to print here. . the date cannot be communicated to the field. officials.2. of which 100 were due for delivery in July and he could with reasonable certainty promise that these 100 would be available in August. PRESENT: CD.1.S. Counsil considered a paper by AD/E recommending a concerted execution campaign against Gestapo and S. Below is an excerpt from the account of the meeting at S. ABSENT: A.43.E. COUNSIL MINUTES of MEETING held on TUESDAY. This will have to be accelerated if we are to carry out a campaign of "execution" in the near future. But a decision will depend on the Welrod situation and. October. as it is silent and easily concealed. DECISIONS: (a) AD/E's proposal was approved but should be for the most part confined to civilian officials rather than soldiers. mainly by means of the Welrod. D/Plans. 500 have been ordered. [quote] 62. AD/4. Production of Welrods.The Welrod appears to be the most suitable weapon.D. 1943.6. AD/Z said that the total order for Welrods was 600. This would give time for preparation and would be a warning to the Germans as to what to expect during the long dark winter nights.O. AD/E. (c) AD/Z should pres forward production so as to ensure delivery of 100 Welrods by the end of August and at least 100 for every succeeding month. V/CD.E. A/CD. June 22. We should concentrate on Germans rather than on Quislings. AD/S. (b) AD/Z's total order for 600 was confirmed but AD/4 and D/Plans should ascertain the requirements of Far Eastland Middle East respectively. but there is no indication when they will be delivered. It might be best to declare September or October as the "execution" month. 22. S. and PSO. OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE . Welman. If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. 1942 by two Czech S. after the circumstances. The Allied must have begun to realize the incalculable consequences of the previously carried out “Operation Anthropoid” at this point. Welrod . beneficial effect in their battle against the continuous dissemination and work of the resistance movement after all. Belgium or France if similar assassinations on SS officials were to take place here. [/quote] The operation was never carried out.E agents. Holland. many Welrods that came to Denmark were dropped here with "Operation Execution Month". Norway. The Nazis had sent a clear message that the killing of German officials would not be tolerated. for them. RESEARCH . all the women were deported. thousands of randomly picked people were executed. and the town itself was literally razed to the ground with bulldozers in retaliation for the assassination of SS Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich on May 27. The U.O. where the entire male population was executed. AD/Z reported that one Lancaster III had been allotted for experimental transport purposes. In the aftermath. Sadly we can conclude that the ruthless terror and killing of civilians by the Nazis had a. and there was no reason to believe that the Germans would be lenient on Denmark. probably due to fear of retaliation from the occupational forces. in mind. It is a reasonable assumption that the.[/quote] 68. The terrible massacre at the Czech town Lidice close to Prague.S. There is however no information as to when and how many.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries). Suggest we provide funds for additional experimentation on .S. 1943.32 HAND FIRING MECHANISM MK 1.S. Dr. MOD. the Welrods were developed by the British group similar to the OSS" [/quote] Still the U. Vannevar Bush: [quote] "If my information is correct. I remain convinced though that the wast majority of Welrods used by the U. SERIAL NO. 1943 concerning silenced weapons.BU. Harris M. Stanley Lovell of the OSS wrote: [quote] "There seems little sense in wasting time or effort as the British obviously have a superior design here. should proceed with purchase of production model Welrods rather than trying for a home-built version".S.S. A document proving that the U. The U. August 16. . NAVY ----.S. at some point began manufacturing their own. build Welrod.S. Note the modified bolt handle which besides facilitate operation of the weapon when wearing gloves also doubts as a safety.S. [/quote] Concluding a later test likewise held at the Maryland Research Laboratory in September the same year. The Welrod was highly praised by all the participants and the report concludes: [quote] "It was felt that for that special type of mission.22 silenced pistols and on the submachine gun models" [/quote] In yet another note dated October 9.The U. it was the best available design and the U. build Welrod with it's inscription and part markings/blue print drawing numbers. At the MOD Pattern Room in England they have a specimen with a full inscription on the silencer tube reading: U.323 (U. during WWII were manufactured and delivered by the British. OF ORD. . anchor) SOUTHWEST PUMP COMPANY. Chadwell writes to Dr. (Photo . also produced a number of Welrods has finally been found.S. This assumption is further supported by a written report from a meeting between some British liaison officers and American OSS agents at the Maryland Research Laboratory. S navy with a " U" on its left side and an "S" on its right. recently a folder labeled: HAND FIRING MECHANISM.IIA marked with the usual five-pointed star. [/quote] Right after the serial number is stamped the anchor of the U. but none use the star. The enclosed text explained that the Welrod in question had been surrendered to a war veteran. with a final acceptance marking that was either "USN" or a stamped anchor. build Welrod. These engravings can very well be drawing numbers for the individual parts as described in the letter from The Naval Historical Center.. The difference are clearly seen on the individual parts which bears indication of a different manufacturing process just as the gun itself differs markedly by having something best described as a sleeve welded onto the side of the bolt handle which serves as a safety but also facilitate operation of the weapon when wearing gloves. Welrod so if this modification was a standard feature or a prototype I haven't been able to disclose. there are discernable differences. However. As there are no stampings of the star nor of the square on this model. I have only seen one U. (Photo . has been discovered in the archives of the Royal Armouries..made items may include blueprint drawing numbers. Part markings for NGF .Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries). The documents inside revealed a thorough description including photos of the British Welrod Mk. Some assert that the star and square found on the British Welrods are American markings. square and serial number 6197. Mark 1. a former Ordnance officer.(Photo . The U.32” (CLASSIFICATION “SECRET” BUT REDUCED TO “RESTRICTED” ON 3/7/50). The US Naval Gun Factory and other manufactures have small proof markings for some items. It is my understanding that they were given US Navy markings. Even if at first glance it appears to be a British Welrod. #422074--2 on the muzzle and #422072--6 on the back of the breech. In addition is engraved #422072--1 on top of the silencer tube.S. .Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries).12345".. but I believe this theory can be excluded on the basis of a correspondence I had with The Naval Historical Center which states: [quote] The Navy purchased an unknown number of Welrods for use. UK. Note that the grip safety has been modyfied by extending the bar that blocks the trigger platform so it protrudes all the way underneath the sleeve thus preventing firing before the bolt has been fully closed. such as "NGF . . the engravings agree well with the statement from The Naval Historical Center. whose unit was in the Philippines. In this photo the bolt has been fully closed enabling the safety bar to move freely.S. Cal. Q: Were the barrels rifled by the broaching process? A: Yes. The questions and answers read: [quote] Q: How many were made and when? A: No one knows for certain.A was the main contractor for the British Welrod and we also know that manuals and instructions were in fact written as early as 1943. Q: Would like to obtain any instructions or manuals that went with these guns. He was a master machinist who did many different jobs but his main responsibility was pulling rifling’s although he also did some assembly work.65 pistol ammunition and will naturally take our own caliber . was classified as Secret until March 1950 and here after declassified to Restricted. A: None were issued. His Grandfather also told him that it was . Thanks to John Finnell new and valuable information regarding this production facility has emerged. version. Finnell wrote me and told that his late Grandfather worked at the Southwest Pump Company as a machinist for over 40 years. But apart from that we have conflicting or at least confusing assertions. The device was too hush-hush. The company was later taken over by Tokheim Corporation and finally closed down in 1999. The Southwest Pump Company was founded in 1916 and located in Bonham Texas.A.S . including the timeframe when they were producing Welrods.32 automatic. Q: Is the magazine the standard type for the .Among the documents was also found a letter from the Navy Department Bureau of Ordnance. It was still listed as Top Secret.S. Ohio. Q: Was ammunition issued with these guns? A: The gun was designed for German and Jap 7. Due to the great secrecy surrounding the project it would be reasonable to assume that a mix up between the two models has occurred. Mr. We have been given permission to show you blueprints but can’t give you a copy. We know for a fact that B. [/quote] From the content it would be safe to conclude that the U. answering a request from the HP White Company in Cleveland. so we could answer your letter. Mark I. HAND FIRING MECHANISM. U. The day we got your letter we got the Navy to declassify the damn thing. Q: By whom were they made? A: No one company made them. regarding the origin of the Welrod.S. a very small community northeast of Dallas near the border between Texas and Oklahoma.32 auto? A: Yes. Q: To whom were the guns issued or were they dropped to resistance groups? A: To resistance groups.S. The Welrod pictured and described in the document is without doubt British produced and has nothing to do with the above pictured U. Components were farmed out and assembled by the Navy for security reasons. The other end is attached to the arm right above the elbow.S. It has not been disclosed how many were made but most likely it was no more than a handful.O. As late as in the 1960’s a modified version of the Welrod Mk IIA was produced by Military Armament Corporation headed by Mitchell Wer-Bell. but may be used at ranges up to about three yards. This trait makes it appear clumsy contrary to the Mk II that has but the trigger rod on the outside of the suppressor tube. because the drawings are clearly marked B. It was also rumored that a number of people working there at the time have assembled their own Welrods from spare parts. The trigger. In a tight spot it had an additional use as a truncheon. It was produced by the B. Having fired the gun one simply lets go of it to let it slide unnoticed back up the sleeve. The main differences from the original design consisted of replacing the ebonite on the grip with plastic and replacing the original insides of the tube with the more up-to-date silencer technology of Sionics.A. The idea was to carry the gun up the sleeve of ones coat. .A. It is a single shot weapon in .S. It is a “one shot. At the end of the suppressor tube is a little lanyard-hole to attach one end of a rubber band. If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. 1944 and again in January 1945 but was never adopted. Although it is only a rumor. Mk I and Mk II. catalogue: Descriptive Catalogue Of Special Devices And Supplies. it seems plausible. and he remember him describing how they made a very strange sound the first time they were fired but thereafter they were amazingly quiet. as the reloading process is extremely elaborate. and there have properly only been a few if any measures in place to prevent it at that time.not an uncommon occurrence for completed pistols to be “tested” at night upon the roof of the building by the workers. SLEEVE GUN I’ll just briefly mention another variant of the Welrod equally developed at station IX. The “Sleeve Gun” was tested by OSS on February 11. the knurled switch/trigger must first be slid backwards and then forwards. the trigger housing consists of a separate tube running on the outside of the suppressor tube in the full length of the suppressor. the silencing element cannot be removed for replacement since the gun is not intended for prolonged use. Product No. N 254 under DESCRIPTION the following can be read: The gun is intended for use in contact with the target. is mounted close to the muzzle of the gun and doubles as a safety. one kill” weapon. To fire the gun. allowing the operator to discreetly go about his business and yet be able to produce the weapon at moments notice. a device resembling the switch of a flashlight. In the S. the so called “Sleeve Gun”. The primary difference is that on the Mk I.E. It is best described as a Welrod Mk II without the magazine grip and is also produced in two versions.32 ACP with the suppressor designed exactly as the Welrod Mk II. They bear the serial numbers 01 and 11 respectively and none of them are stamped with either the star or square. Yates.II. Note the serial number 8.GUNS LTD.J. No date is mentioned but the only three that I have knowledge of are property of the National Firearms Centre (NFC) in Leeds.32ACP. (Photo . The Sleeve Gun Mk. One is also found at the Bergenhus Festningsmuseeum in Norway and it carry the serial number 8.II. England.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) . England. and drawn by B.R. and it´s trigger. caliber . (Photo .Per Ove Bø) The Sleeve Gun Mk. Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) The business end of the Sleeve Gun Mk.Anders Thygesen courtesy of the Royal Armouries) .II. (Photo .The Sleeve Gun Mk.32ACP about to be loaded. A slot is cut in the face of the end cap to assist easy dismantling.II. (Photo . caliber . . Ramos . (Illustration: Joe M.32ACP.Canada) If you have any additional information please feel free to send me an e-mail. caliber .Cross section of the Sleeve Gun Mk.II. II & Mk.S.IIA .S.C.32 ACP cartridges. The . Designed by John Browning and introduced in 1899. (Automatic Colt Pistol). it is known as the 7. when Colt turned out an automatic pocket pistol on another Browning patent in 1903 hence the designation A. It was marketed in the U. It is one of the most popular pistol cartridges ever developed. it is designated . In Europe.P.32 Automatic or . In Europe every company that made automatic pistols chambered the .65mm Browning.32 ACP. Luger round. Cartridge. .32 ACP cartridge is produced by all major ammunition makers in a wide variety.WELROD Mk.32ACP. while in the U. For decades it has been the standard police chambering in Europe but has now in most European countries been replaced by the 9 mm. It was adopted first by the German Navy in 1904 and then by the German Army in 1908. Illustration courtesy of Mike Haas. If you have any questions please feel free to send me an e-mail.311-inch diameter bullet. also known as 9 mm.The cartridges case is semi-rimmed. WELROD Mk.I (A&B) 9mm Parabellum Cartridge. Parabellum or 9X19 NATO was introduced in 1902 with the German Luger automatic pistol. . strait walled (see illustration) and uses a . Luger. Since that time. The 9mm. it has been adopted by the military of practically every nonCommunist country. It has become the world's most popular and widely-used military handgun and submachine gun cartridges. including all of the NATO countries. Armed Forces. The 9 mm. Illustration courtesy of Mike Haas.356-inch diameter bullet. the 9 mm. It is now in use with most of the militaries of the world. The cartridges case is rimmed with a slight taper from rim to mouth (see illustration) which enhances feed reliability. It uses a . Luger was adopted as the official military cartridges by the U.S.In 1985. . If you have any questions please feel free to send me an e-mail. Luger cartridge is produced by all major ammunition makers in a wide variety.