Julian Huxley, British zoologist who invented a plastic explosive that looked like cow dung. It was planted on the roads leading to the Normandy beachhead to destroy the tires of enemy vehicles.


Sounds ehm interesting. Can anyone confirm this and whether they were considered successful...??

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I can't confirm that Huxley invented them but the SOE 'Descriptive Catalogue of Special Devices & Supplies' has the 'Tyreburster' which was a small charge (several sizes available) with just enough energy to fulfill it's name. It could be ordered in a variety of camouflage styles from rocks to dung. There are also variously camouflaged larger charges from Rusty bolts to Chianti bottles so I'd say the story had legs.

I'm sure I've heard of these being used in the desert disguised as camel dung leading to the rather larger effect of axis troops avoiding any and all genuine dung seen on the roads and tracks, just in case.

Cheers,
Adam.

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"Wars cannot be fought with dream stuff" - Sir Percy Hobart.

Mind you, when I see a dung I always try to avoid it.

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