Panjandrum facts for kids
The Panjandrum, also called The Great Panjandrum, was a huge, rocket-powered cart filled with explosives. The British military designed it during World War II. It was one of many experimental projects created by the British Admiralty to help win the war. However, the Panjandrum was never used in a real battle.
Contents
Why Was Panjandrum Built?
The British military needed a way to break through strong concrete walls. These walls were part of the Atlantic Wall, a huge defense system built by the enemy. The walls were about 10 feet (3 meters) high and 7 feet (2 meters) thick.
The device also needed to be launched from landing craft. This was because the beaches in front of the walls were very dangerous. Soldiers trying to carry explosives by hand would be in great danger. Experts figured out that over 1 ton (1,000 kg) of explosives would be needed to make a tank-sized hole in such a wall. Delivering this much explosive was a big challenge.
This led to the idea of the "Great Panjandrum." It was planned as a steel drum packed with explosives. This drum would be held between two large wooden wheels with steel treads. Each wheel was 1 foot (0.3 meters) wide and 10 feet (3 meters) across. The Panjandrum would be pushed forward by many cordite rockets attached to the wheels. Designers hoped it would go about 60 mph (97 km/h) and crash through anything in its way.
Testing the Panjandrum
The first Panjandrum was built secretly and taken to a testing area in Westward Ho!, Devon. But the testing beach was popular with holidaymakers, so many people watched the trials.
The first test happened on September 7, 1943. Only a few rockets were put on the wheels, and sand was used instead of real explosives. When the rockets fired, the Panjandrum shot forward from the landing craft. It went a good distance up the beach. But then, some rockets on the right wheel failed, and it went off course. More tests were done with more rockets, but the Panjandrum always lost control.
After three weeks of changes, the team tried again. This time, the Panjandrum had over seventy rockets and a third wheel for stability. When launched, it sped towards the coast. But then it turned back towards the sea! Some of its 20-pound (9 kg) rockets broke off and flew wildly over the crowd or exploded underwater.
Even with these problems, the team kept trying. They removed the third wheel and added steel cables to the two main wheels to try and steer it. But the Panjandrum was too powerful. It snapped the cables, sending them flying across the beach. More weeks were spent testing different cables and rocket clamps. Finally, the military said the weapon only needed to travel in the general direction of the enemy.
The Last Big Test
A final test was set for January 1944. Many Navy officials, scientists, and a photographer came to watch.
During this test, the Panjandrum rolled into the sea and started heading for the shore. But then, a clamp broke, and rockets began to fly off. The Panjandrum started to wobble. It hit some small holes in the sand and turned sharply, heading straight for the photographer! He had to run for his life. The admirals and generals watching also had to dive for cover. The Panjandrum then headed back to the sea, crashed onto the sand, and exploded violently. Rockets flew everywhere across the beach.
Because of how dangerous the tests were, the project was stopped right away. Some people now think the whole project might have been a trick. It might have been part of Operation Fortitude. This was a plan to make the Germans think the British would attack the strong defenses at Pas-de-Calais. In reality, the attack was planned for the less-defended Normandy coastline.
Modern Replicas
On the 65th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a copy of the Panjandrum was built. It was launched on the same beach in Devon. This replica was 6 feet (1.8 meters) high and 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Instead of explosives, it had fireworks. It was supposed to travel 500 meters (1,640 feet) at about 15 mph (24 km/h). In the end, it went straight but only for 50 meters (164 feet). This event was filmed.
Someone named Neil A. Downie also created a "Turbo Panjandrum." This version uses powerful electric motors and propellers on large bicycle wheels. Different teams have even raced these Turbo Panjandrums against each other!
See also
- Hobart's Funnies
Images for kids
-
A close view of the Panjandrum.
-
Panjandrum during a test at Westward Ho!, Devon.
-
Panjandrum after a test that didn't go well.
