Maxim pom pom

[twrchtrwyth]

Was the Maxim pom pom a quick firing artillery piece or a machine gun? The picture below has me slightly confused.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/palmerstonforts/1135151885/in/pool-victorianartillery

[Plynkes]

Depends how you look at it. It was basically a big version of the Maxim gun, but it fired 1lb explosive shells (37mm), so rather big compared to what you'd ordinarily call a machine gun. I suppose today one might call it an autocannon.


They used them as anti-aircraft guns in the Great War.

[twrchtrwyth]

What was it's rate of fire compared to a normal maxim MG? Or to put it another way, was it capable of fully automatic fire?

[Bako]

Definitely wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that!

[Plynkes]

I don't have that information I'm afraid, Twrchtrwyth. The belt contained 25 shells, but I'm not sure how significant that is.

The later 2pdr (40mm) pom-pom had a rate of fire of 115rpm (compared with 450 to 600 for a Vickers MG), if that's any help. Something along those lines seems reasonable, but as I said, I don't know.

[twrchtrwyth]

Yes that helps a lot, thanks. I was trying to work out how to represent one in HoA. With your info I can do that now.

[Helen]

Hi,

I hope this may assist you (this refers to WW1, but it will double up before hand):

3,7 cm AUTOMATIC MACHINE GUN (POM-POM)
German designation: 3,7 cm Maschinenkanone   
Weight of projectile: 0,45 kg (1 lb)
Muzzle velocity: 550 m/sec (1 800 ft/sec)
Calibre: 3,7 cm (1,46 in)
Maximum range: 2 750 m approx (3 000 yds approx)
Weight in action: 757 kg approx (1 665 lbs approx)

Note: These details are approximate only and refer to pom-poms not of Krupp manufacture.

Hiram S. Maxim, an American, invented this quick-firing belt-fed gun. It achieved fame in the Boer War where it became known as the pom-pom. The British Army had earlier rejected it, but a number were ordered urgently when the Boer success with it was appreciated.

Later naval versions on deck mountings were produced. At the beginning of World War I modifications were made to allow these guns to be used against aircraft. The British Army also mounted pom-poms on high-angle carriages for the same reason. The Belgian and German armies did likewise.

The German pom-pom was made by Krupp and this is one of those guns. There were four in German West, the name by which South African troops came to know South West Africa. These guns were captured at Windhoek.

Pom-poms were not widely used in the war. As anti-aircraft guns they were soon replaced by guns specifically designed for that purpose.

Here are some photos from the Australian War Memorial Annex when I was there early this year:

[twrchtrwyth]

Thanks Helen, very interesting. Just need to check the range information against MGs and arty. now.

[chicklewis]

I have read British accounts from the Boer war which speak of the Pom Pom.  The name refers to the distinct sound it made, every round distinguishable from every other, not very rapid fire, but it was definitely capable of fully automatic fire. 

For a time around 1900 many ships were armed with such weapons as a means of discouraging torpedo boats.  I was privileged to run my hands over a 37mm pom pom in the naval museum in Lima Peru a few years back. 

[Lowtardog]

I have always thoguht of them as grenade launchers laying down suppression fire

[argsilverson]

Does anyone of a decent pom-pom gun for my A/A VSF armies?

[Plynkes]

I believe the London War Room does them both on naval mounts and field carriages. Whether they are decent or not I couldn't say.

[Helen]

I believe the London War Room does them both on naval mounts and field carriages. Whether they are decent or not I couldn't say.

The London War Room Pom Pom is true 25 mm for figures.

The Old Glory are larger and will fit in with 28 mm figures.

[argsilverson]

I believe the London War Room does them both on naval mounts and field carriages. Whether they are decent or not I couldn't say.

The London War Room Pom Pom is true 25 mm for figures.

The Old Glory are larger and will fit in with 28 mm figures.

Thanks helen,
I think I should go for the OG one.

[Helen]

I believe the London War Room does them both on naval mounts and field carriages. Whether they are decent or not I couldn't say.

The London War Room Pom Pom is true 25 mm for figures.

The Old Glory are larger and will fit in with 28 mm figures.

Thanks helen,
I think I should go for the OG one.

Here is a link to my photo from the gallery showing the London War Room Pom Pom with Battle Honour Turk Crew:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=503