Some of the key United Kingdom manufactured chemical weapons are discussed below.

65 lb Light Case Bomb

Slightly strengthened 4 gallon kerosene/petrol can with stabilising flag fitted across one end which gave good flight. Measurements, 12.5 x 13 x 22 inches with a 59 lb charging. The bomb would break up and function from any height on any surface such as “downland, concrete, water, loose sand or shingle”. The weapon was adopted as the “standard UK gas weapon” on account of its wide tactical employment and simplicity of manufacture. This bomb, of simple manufacture, was later manufactured in Australia. There were many “live” trials undertaken with the 65 lb bomb.

Photo: 65 lb bomb in its crate.The sabilising flag is seen wrapped on the top. ©

   250 lb Light Case Bomb

Filled phosgene or mustard. The bomb was designed on the tail ejection principle (after striking the target the liquid is ejected from the tail in the form of a spray that contaminated a belt downwind from the target). The tail of the bomb, supplied separately, was of the snap-on variety and was assembled at the aerodrome just prior to use. The total overall length of the bomb (including the fuze and tail) was 64.56 inches, and the diameter 12 inches. The weight of the charging was approximately 125.5 lb.

   Smoke Curtain Installation 250, 400 & 500 lbs

For the purpose of spraying liquid mustard from the air, a spray tank known as a Smoke Curtain Installation was developed. The spray emission was gravity based. The emission pipe consisted of two parts, one short steel pipe welded to the tank (fixed) and an aluminium pipe which was detachable. Each SCI was fitted with bakelite discs at the air inlet which were electrically fired by the pilot. This allowed the mustard to flow from the tank.

   25 lb Base Ejection Shell

The shell body itself was charged with liquid which was ejected through the base by means of a piston. In order to prevent excessive shattering of the liquid the charging was rendered viscous by the addition of a suitable thickening agent. Gross weight 21 to 25 lbs, charged 1.25 to 1.75 lbs. 11,000 yard range.

Photo: A 25 pounder gas shell which did not function correctly at a shoot by the 5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery at Townsville. The base has not been blown out in the air and the shell has burst at the side after striking the ground. November 1942. © Australian War Memorial