Boys Anti Tank Rifle

[David Dunlop]

Here is a little background information regarding how this film came to be, courtesy of Wikipedia:



"Stop That Tank! is basically a training film intended to be used in the Canadian Army. The Boys MK.1 rifles were produced in Canada by John Inglis and Company, and were distinguished primarily from other variants by the flat muzzle brake and V-shaped bipod.[8]

After the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, the Boy’s anti-tank rifle had gained the reputation from British and Canadian soldiers as a “jinx” gun, due to its ineffectiveness on German tanks.[9] With the introduction of more heavily armoured German vehicles, the Boys Mk.1 quickly lost its effectiveness as an anti-tank weapon. The recommended firing range was subsequently, reduced from 500 yards to 300 yards with its true effectiveness limited to within 100 yards of the target.[10]

Stop That Tank! was not only intended to educate Canadian troops on the operation of the Mk.1 rifle but also put new recruits and existing soldiers at ease regarding doubts about their weaponry.[9] The extended "textbook" style treatment interspersed with humour as well as a propaganda message, was considered a very effective instructional tool. In a screening for members of the public, civilians felt that they had gained enough information "... to pick up a Mk.1 and blast a German tank out of existence."[11]



What I actually find most fascinating about this film is the art work. The mechanical action and x-ray shots are all hand drawn and painted cell sheets assembled into a film. A human skill not much recognized anymore in this age of computer graphic imaging.

David