Spigot Mortar

The spigot mortar, or sometimes known as the ‘Blacker Bombard’ was an anti-tank weapon designed to be used by infantrymen. It was originally intended for the Home Guard, but in fact they were also used by some regular units stationed on coastal defence duties. The Spigot could be used in a variety of ways, but one of the most common was where it was placed on a concrete pedestal with a protruding metal rod upon which the weapon could be fixed. It was able to fire a 20lb high explosive bomb about 80 metres which was able to damage tanks and other armoured vehicles. The rate of fire was between six and twelve shots a minute and as each bomb had to be placed by hand at the front it was deemed important that spigot positions should be camouflaged. While the spigot could be carried and fired from a metal base frame, in the majority of cases a fixed position was deemed most desirable. When used in a static role it was common for a surrounding pit to be dug for the crew of three to five men and this was often reinforced with concrete and provided with lockers for the ammunition. When used in anti-invasion defence spigot mortar posts were combined with other defences, particularly roadblocks.

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