The Rise of the Attack Cephalopods

Seriously?

Yup, Squid Anti-Submarine Mortar, it was a thing.

Now lest you think that this was a device for flinging calamari at enemy submarines (also known as "pigboats," wait for it...), nope it was actually just the Brits with their penchant for giving things interesting names. Such as the Directorate of Miscellaneous Weapons Development. If ya can't figure out who will use it or what it will be used against or even if you really need it, then assign the project to the DMWD. (No doubt where the LCS got its start...)

Ordered directly from the drawing board in 1942, under the auspices of the Directorate of Miscellaneous Weapons Development, this weapon was rushed into service in May 1943 on board HMS Ambuscade. The first production unit was installed on HMS Hadleigh Castle; it went on to be installed on 70 frigates and corvettes during the Second World War. The first successful use was by HMS Loch Killin on 31 July 1944, when she sank U333; the system was credited with sinking 17 submarines in 50 attacks. By 1959, 195 Squid installations had been produced. (Source)

So it was actually a fairly effective weapon system. It replaced the earlier "Hedgehog" depth charge projector, which was eventually replaced by the "Limbo" system. (Note the names, where do they get these? Kinda reminds me of Boaty McBoatface, must be that odd British sense of humor. Or would that be humour in this instance?)

Hedgehog Anti-Submarine Projector

Limbo - Anti Submarine Mortar Mark 10

Another thing in the opening photo worthy of note is the sign to the right which states -

DANGER - KEEP OFF

NO RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN FOR

INJURIES INCURRED WHILST

PLAYING ON MORTAR

Yes, heaven forbid that someone should get sued because someone got hurt while playing on a mortar. Some people have no sense at all.

I know these weapon systems are not as cool as an ASCROC, I mean what is, but I thought I'd bring them up for the edification of the readership. Besides which, it led to the catchy title for this post. I mean I could have called it "Release the Kraken," or something. (Why call it that Sarge, I saw that movie what does that have to do with squid? Ah, you see, in Norse mythology the Kraken is more of a squid than that weird looking beastie in Clash of the Titans.)

The Mark 12 Mod 1 Anti-Surface Kraken
That is one big squid!

In other news, I'm still trying to get my head around this comment...

"ASCROCs sinking enema pigboats" - Dear Lord I hope that's a typo! (And yes, whilst searching for that I stumbled upon the attacking squid, a type of cephalopod. I mean come on, you know how my mind works. Or doesn't...)

Oh, one last thing, Frank tracked this down, had to share it. I mean T-Rexs with machine guns, how scary is that? (Not as scary as an enema pigboat, but close.)

Secret WW2 files: Fighting Dinosaurs in the US Army

I had no ideer!