Welwand
Inter-Services Research Bureau (SOE Station IX) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1944
Also known as: Welwand Mk II
Overview
The Welwand is a covert, integrally suppressed single-shot assassination pistol developed by Britain's Special Operations Executive at Station IX during the Second World War. Chambered in .32 ACP and essentially a version of the noise-suppressed Welrod stripped of its pistol grip, it was strapped to the forearm and concealed within the sleeve of a coat or jacket, firing via a textured switch rather than a conventional trigger. It was intended for silent, close-range elimination of enemy sentries and officers by agents operating in occupied Europe.
Specifications
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 207 J (153 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 8 m (9 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning, .32 Automatic, 7.65mm Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Concealable, Sleeve Mounted, Arm Brace, No Pistol Grip
Variants
- Welwand Mk II - Improved
Service history
Operators
- Special Operations Executive · adopted 1944
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 175 · Production years: 1944-1945
Estimated 150 to 200 units produced for SOE covert operations
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Hugh Reeves
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Distinct from the SOE .32 in Sleeve Gun; the Welwand was carried on an arm brace inside a sleeve. Only an estimated 150 to 200 examples were produced. Surviving specimens are held by the Imperial War Museums and the Royal Armouries National Firearms Centre.
Background
Designed by Major Hugh Reeves at the SOE's secret Station IX, the Welwand was described in service papers as a 'short length, silent, murder weapon' - a Welrod without its grip, worn up the sleeve so an agent could shoot a sentry at arm's length while appearing empty-handed.