Special Gallery

Pistol, Welrod

Welrod Silenced pistol . 32, mk 2, serial no. 3247, 1944 (c). This pistol was probably used by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two. The receiver markings of a square and a star indicate it was made at B. S. A. (Birmingham Small Arms Company) It has a five round magazine. Associated with World War Two (1939-1945). The Welrod pistol derives its name from where some were produced; the Special Operations Executive Research Centre in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The pistol is unique in that in its final stages, the designers realised that it was senseless to make a pistol then manufacture a silencer for it - rather, they designed a silencer first and then made the pistol mechanisms. Date: circa 1944

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library

Airmail postcards at Gamages, London

People at Gamages in Holborn, Central London, addressing postcards and posting them in the special London Aerial Postbox, in time for the first aerial mail service from Hendon to Windsor and back again. The service flew on 9 September 1911. King George V gave permission for the aeroplanes to land in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Gustav Hamel was the first pilot to deliver by airmail. During September 1911 the Grahame-White company operated an experimental air mail service for two weeks between Hendon and Windsor. As well as commemorating the coronation of King George V, and raising money for charity, the event publicised the possibilities of the aeroplane as a means of transport

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Hayes winning the Marathon Race. Olympic Games, London 1908

Photograph of John Hayes, American athlete, in the final leg of the marathon race at the London Olympic Games in 1908. Dorando Pietri of Italy collapsed after entering the stadium ahead of the pack. He was revived by doctors and some of the officials helped him to his feet and then assisted him to the finish line. John Hayes of the United States was the second finisher. Pietri had been declared the winner, but the Americans lodged a protest that was finally upheld. Dorando was nevertheless presented with a special cup by Queen Alexandra for his pluck

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans