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The Lewis Gun is a light machine gun that was developed in the early 20th century and saw extensive use during World War I. It was designed by an American named Colonel Isaac Newton Lewis and was adopted by several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The Lewis Gun was a gas-operated weapon that fired from an open bolt, meaning that the chamber was exposed when the gun was not firing. It could fire at a rate of 550 rounds per minute and had a range of up to 880 yards. The gun was fed from a drum magazine that held either 47 or 97 rounds, depending on the variant.
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| Lewis gun reloading mechanism action - Image Creadit: Gareth Fowler |
During World War I, the Lewis Gun saw widespread use by British and Commonwealth forces, particularly as a squad-level support weapon. Its lightweight and portability made it popular with troops, and it was used in a variety of roles including suppressing enemy fire and engaging enemy aircraft.
In Peaky Blinders, the Lewis Gun is frequently seen being used by the Shelby family and their rivals in gang warfare. The show is set in the aftermath of World War I, and the use of machine guns by criminal gangs was becoming increasingly common during this time period. The Lewis Gun's appearance in the show is therefore historically accurate and adds to the realism of the show's portrayal of the criminal underworld of 1920s Birmingham.
One notable instance of the Lewis Gun being used in Peaky Blinders occurs when the Shelby family engages in a large-scale conflict with Billy Kimber and his gang, which takes place in the final episode of the season. In later seasons of the show, the Lewis Gun does appear in various scenes depicting gang violence, adding to the realism and historical accuracy of the show's portrayal of the criminal underworld in early 20th century Birmingham.
The use of the Lewis Gun in Peaky Blinders also highlights the changing nature of warfare during this time period. The First World War had seen the widespread use of machine guns on the battlefield, and this technology was soon adopted by criminal elements in society. Gangs like the Shelbys and the Lees were able to acquire these weapons and use them to gain an advantage in their battles for control of the criminal underworld.
Overall, the Lewis Gun is an important historical weapon that played a significant role in the First World War and beyond. Its appearance in Peaky Blinders is historically accurate and adds to the show's portrayal of the criminal underworld in 1920s Birmingham. The use of the Lewis Gun in the show highlights the changing nature of warfare and the impact that technology can have on society.
Here is the video of the icon scene when Thomas Shelby using the Lewis mark 1: