Origin: United Kingdom Year: 1937 Type: Anti-tank rifle Caliber: .55 Boys Weight: 35 lb (16 kg) unloaded Length: 62 in (1.575 m) Barrel Length: 36 in (910 mm) Capacity: 5 rds
The Boys anti-tank rifle was a mainstay of the British arsenal during the Second World War. Though quickly outclassed by improvements in armor (resulting in the creation of the PIAT, another British anti-tank weapon), the Boys rifle was rather effective against lightly armored vehicles and tanks. The Boys would service on all fronts of the war. British and Commonwealth forces fielded it in Norway, North Africa, France, and the Pacific. Finnish troops would use the weapon against the Soviets during the Winter War and the Continuation War, the initial supply being provided by the British government and a second shipment being provided by Germany with captured weapons.
An interesting note in the Boys rifle's history is that a training film was made with the cooperation of Disney. Using both live-action and animation, the film shows proper maintenance, operation, and fielding of the Boys rifle. For those interested in seeing the film, it can be found on Youtube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnhlD0HZAm4
