'W' Bombs

[Dreamk]

Antoon Hi!
The answer is probably in the size of the different models of the W-bomb (from the experimental small ones to the regular service larger sized ones) and in the bomb accomodations of the Whitley and other planes using this bomb.
There is a definitiev mention of containers in the first operational reports, but the presence of reports with mentions such as "2 bombs remained in the plane" indicate the possibility hta these bombs could also be individualy carried and released.
A SBC could be used for dropping all versions of these bombs (as it could be used to drop the similar sized small 4lb smoke bombs or the larger can-shaped 100lb bomb) instslled on an universal bomb rack - this could fit external points of FAA Albacore or the internal bomb bay / wing bomb cells of the CC Blenheims or the various positions of the Whitley's bomb bay or wing bomb cells.
The individual fitting of these bombs on bomb racks is theoretically possible but would demand the presence of a suspension of some variants and this may be what is alluded to in the last 2 fragments you uploaded - the fact that there were 2 versions of the MKIII one exterally identical in size to the MkII (10 in diameter) and another with ioncreased diameter (18in) may be behind this. BTW both the Whitley and the Blenheim could accomodate small bomb racks in their wing cells, the Whitley also being able to have universal bomb racks installed in its wing cells.

 

[Antoon]

The 'W" Bombs were dropped from SBC's or from special 'W' carriers bolted to the universal carrier.

Hope someone has pictures.

 

[yakoyakdiddy]

A bit late to the party, but was hoping someone could clarify the following definitively.

I am trying to establish the exact weapon used by the 49 Squadron crews in the famous Dortmund Ems raid on the 12th of August 1940.
I have seen reference to an "M bomb", and again another official reference to that weapon in the Scampton records for an earlier operation in Kiel.

I think, based on the descriptions here and that of "ARMAMENT VOLUME I BOMBS AND BOMBING EQUIPMENT" that it is completely different from the W bomb discussed here.

Am I correct in that this was a modified version of the Mk I air dropped canister mine used in 'Gardening' operations?
If so, how did it differ, exactly?
Are there any precise descriptions of it from official (i.e. Air Historical Branch and the like) sources?

Many thanks to anyone who can assist!

 

[Dreamk]

Ma bomb was also described as "1,500 pound type M bomb" - It was a modified version of the 1500lb sea laying mine.
A parachute-retarded naval mine adapted for land-based precision bombing, it was fitted with a delayed action mechanism that used .....soluble aspirin!
After drop, the chute would slow the bomb sufficiently for it not to break up on impact with the water in the canal.
Once the mine hit the water, the aspirin dissolved, triggering the delayed explosion.
The aspirin would give an approximate 10 minute delay before the mine exploded on the bed of the canal.

 

[yakoyakdiddy]

Ma bomb was also described as "1,500 pound type M bomb" - It was a modified version of the 1500lb sea laying mine.
A parachute-retarded naval mine adapted for land-based precision bombing, it was fitted with a delayed action mechanism that used .....soluble aspirin!
After drop, the chute would slow the bomb sufficiently for it not to break up on impact with the water in the canal.
Once the mine hit the water, the aspirin dissolved, triggering the delayed explosion.
The aspirin would give an approximate 10 minute delay before the mine exploded on the bed of the canal.

I have read this account, but is there any documentation that actually confirms this?