Inter-Service Research Bureau

A secret British Special Operations Executive factory making special weapons and equipment during World War II, later known as Station IX, situated at a mansion called "The Frythe" near Welwyn Garden City.

Commanding Officer: Lt. Colonel John Dolphin.

Chief of Scientific Research: Professor D. M. Newitt

Research on various products including military vehicles and equipment, explosives and technical sabotage, camouflage, biological and chemical warfare:

• Welrod – a simplified pistol with a built-in silencer, designed as an assassination weapon for use by irregular forces and resistance groups (developed from Normgun which was rejected as being too expensive for mass-production).
• Sleeve gun - a device attached to the forearm concealing a small firearm under a long-sleeved coat or jacket. When triggered the firearm extends out of the gadget so that the user can grab it and fire.
• Welgun – a basic submachine gun designed to be simple and cost-effective.

• Welbike – a small single-seat motorcycle designed to be air-dropped for use by paratroops

• Motorised Submersible Canoe - an open submersible enabling a single frogman to carry out clandestine reconnaissance or sabotage missions
• Welman submarine – a one-man British midget submarine designed for attacks against enemy vessels.
• Welfreighter - a midget submarine developed for the purpose of landing and supplying agents behind enemy lines.
• Welbum - a device to provide motive power for parachutists who were dropped into water. It consisted of a streamlined metal container with an electric motor and battery inside which was harnessed to the back of the swimmer. Driven by a screw, it would travel silently for 2 miles at 2 knots.

1945 Incorporated into the Department of Miscellaneous Weapons Development.

See Also

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Sources of Information

• [1] Wikipedia
• [2] Personal experience of Station IX