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Warfare History

WWII’s 15 Strangest Secrets: From Exploding Rats to a Beer-Drinking Soldier Bear

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11. The Great Panjandrum

11. The Great Panjandrum
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The Great Panjandrum was a British experimental weapon developed during World War II, designed to breach the heavily fortified Atlantic Wall defenses. It consisted of two large, rocket-propelled wheels connected by a drum filled with explosives. The plan was to launch it from a landing craft, allowing it to roll onto the beach and detonate upon impact with enemy fortifications. However, during testing, the Panjandrum proved highly unpredictable, often veering off course and posing significant risks to personnel. As a result, it was never used in combat. (Imperial War Museums)

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