| | Periscope rifle (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-01) |
 | | The periscope rifle was invented in May 1915 by Lance Corporal William Beech, 2nd Battalion, a builder's foreman: this device allowed a soldier standing in a trench to take accurate aim and fire without exposing himself to the enemy. |
 | | The upper mirror of the periscope was so fixed that it looked along the sights of a rifle; this image was reflected in the lower mirror, into which the soldier peered. |
 | | Though less effective than conventional rifles, the periscope rifle proved to be a useful weapon, and it was soon in use in many front-line trenches, in particular at Quinn's Post, where the closeness of the opposing trenches had earlier made it virtually impossible to fire a shot by day. |
| www.awm.gov.au /encyclopedia/gallipoli/periscope_rifle.htm (202 words) |