Postcard illustrating the 'drip' rifle, a delayed action device for firing a rifle by means of ...

Place Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli
Accession Number H19321
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Postcard illustrating the 'drip' rifle, a delayed action device for firing a rifle by means of weights operated through water escaping from one tin into another. This device assisted the Australian evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula, giving the impression of soldiers still firing their rifles. The drip rifle was invented by Lance Corporal, later Captain William Charles Scurry who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his ingenuity. Scurry later served with the 58th Battalion and was commanding officer of the 15th Light Trench Mortar Battery where he was awarded a Military Cross in October 1916.