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A new Osprey Publishing book titled “The PIAT: Britain’s Anti-Tank Weapon Of World War II” written by none other than TFB’s own Matthew Moss has been published recently. As the title implies, the book tells about the history and design of PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank), an iconic British WW2 anti-tank weapon. Developed in a secret British R&D organization colloquially known as “Churchill’s Toyshop”, the PIAT proved to be a successful replacement of the outdated Boys anti-tank rifle and a much better tool for British and Commonwealth troops for piercing holes in Panzers.
Here is an excerpt from the description of the new book on the Osprey Publishing website followed by a video where Matt gives us an overview of his book.
Unlike the more famous US bazooka, the PIAT had its roots in something simpler than rocket science. Operated from the shoulder, the PIAT was a spigot mortar which fired a heavy high-explosive bomb, with its main spring soaking up the recoil. The PIAT had a limited effective range. Troops required nerves of steel to get close enough to an enemy tank to ensure a direct hit, often approaching to within 50ft of the target, and no fewer than six Victoria Crosses were won during World War II by soldiers operating PIATs. A front-line weapon in every theatre of the conflict in which Commonwealth troops fought, from Europe to the Far East, the PIAT remained in service after 1945, seeing action during the Greek Civil War, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Korean War. This illustrated study combines detailed research with expert analysis to reveal the full story of the design, development and deployment of this revolutionary weapon.
“The PIAT – Britain’s Anti-Tank Weapon Of World War II” book is available for purchase on Amazon and Osprey Publishing website. The paperback version costs $22 on Amazon and for the digital Kindle copy, you’ll need to pay $9.99.
I haven’t read the book yet (it’s on its way), but being familiar with Osprey Publishing books in general and with the brilliant research and writing skills of my colleague, I am sure it will be an equally excellent read as was Matt’s other Osprey book about the Sterling submachine gun.
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