Welrod

The Welrod is a British bolt-action, integrally suppressed pistol developed during World War II by Station IX, the Inter-Services Research Bureau (commonly known as "That Was Interesting"). It was designed for use by special forces, clandestine operations, and resistance groups in occupied Europe. Its primary purpose was silent assassination, allowing operatives to eliminate targets discreetly.

The name "Welrod" is believed to be a portmanteau of "Welwyn" (the location of Station IX) and "rod" (referring to its cylindrical shape). It was produced in both 9mm Parabellum and .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) calibers, the 9mm variant being more common. The Welrod is characterized by its lack of conventional pistol grips and sights. The operator would typically grip the knurled rear section of the weapon and aim by lining up the end of the bolt with the target.

The suppressor system is integral to the weapon and consists of a series of baffles and a rubber wiper that the bullet passes through, further reducing noise. While not completely silent, the Welrod was significantly quieter than standard pistols of the time.

The Welrod was manufactured in relatively small numbers and distributed to various Allied forces and resistance organizations. Due to its clandestine nature, details of its deployment and specific operations in which it was used remain largely undocumented. After World War II, it saw limited use in other conflicts.