1-inch Pom-Pom Maxim

Go Back to Autocannon

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: 1-inch Pom-Pom Maxim Type: Autocannon Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year Adopted: 1889 Caliber: 37mm Action: Fully Automatic - Recoil Overall Length (mm): 3048.0 Weight (kg): 208.00 Effective Range (m): 3000

The 1-inch Pom-Pom Maxim gun, also known as the QF 1-pounder, was a revolutionary automatic cannon designed by Hiram Maxim in the late 19th century. Building on his earlier designs for the Maxim machine gun, the Pom-Pom was essentially a scaled-up version capable of firing 1-inch (25 mm) explosive shells. Its design incorporated a recoil-operated mechanism, enabling it to achieve a cyclic rate of fire of up to 300 rounds per minute. The weapon was mounted on various platforms, including naval ships, field carriages, and fortified positions, making it a versatile addition to late Victorian and early 20th-century arsenals.

The 1-inch Pom-Pom Maxim was produced in the United Kingdom by Maxim-Nordenfelt and licensed for production in other countries, including Germany and the Netherlands. By the onset of the Second Boer War (1899-1902), it had become a common sight in both British and Boer forces, with the latter acquiring units through German manufacturers. The gun was valued for its ability to deliver sustained fire of explosive shells, making it effective against enemy personnel and light fortifications. However, its production numbers were relatively limited compared to smaller-caliber Maxim guns, as its heavier ammunition and role were more specialized.

The Pom-Pom gained notoriety during the Boer War, where its rapid-fire capability provided a psychological and tactical advantage on the battlefield. It was one of the first automatic cannons to see widespread use, bridging the gap between small arms and artillery. Despite its early success, the Pom-Pom was eventually outclassed by more advanced designs with higher rates of fire and larger calibers, such as the 20 mm Oerlikon cannon. Today, the 1-inch Pom-Pom Maxim is remembered as a pioneering weapon in the evolution of automatic artillery, with surviving examples preserved in museums as a testament to the ingenuity of Hiram Maxim and his influence on modern warfare.

BPF: Kamikaze attacks HMS Indefatigable