The Welrod .32 silent pistol

Abstract

The history of the development and use of the Welrod .32 silenced pistol by Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the Second World War is little understood. This paper is designed to present a detailed narrative, using, where possible, references to original documents detailing that development and then its subsequent use. It covers the Welrod’s development by Station XI, its testing, evolution, and production. Using references to surviving examples and accounts, the use of the Welrod during World War II is then explored in the various theatres around the world. This will be the first detailed study of the Welrod pistol using previously unavailable sources.