The Lewis Gun (Weapon Book 34)

When the First World War began machine guns were relatively few in number and often treated as artillery. The heavy, water cooled guns required crews almost as large and, like artillery, they were often used for indirect fire missions against area targets (sometimes pre-registered) from stationary positions. Along with the contemporary Danish Madsen, the Lewis was the first automatic weapon designed to travel with the infantry to engage tactical point targets and increase the firepower of the rifle platoon. It was a unique design that was never really imitated, although there were a small number of other guns that had a similar outward appearance and used a top mounted "disc" magazine. Most notably the British Vickers K and Soviet Degtyaryov, which are also mentioned in the book.The writing style is crisp and concise and there are many rare photographs. Even that part of the text dealing with the technical aspects is clear and easy for the non-expert to digest. Highly recommended for those interested in the subject matter.

The Lewis Gun was a clunky piece of gear that would jam if you looked at it crossways. However it was way ahead of its contemporaries as a light machine gun and that made it popular in the WWI era. This article (it's too short to be a book) gives the basics of the gun, its functioning and its history. Because better designs were developed by the end of WWI, it was quickly superseded in the 1920s and 1930s, although some specimens soldiered on during WWII.

Good, brief overview of the Lewis gun. Does not cover the controversial boycott by Army Ordnance of the gun to the detriment of our troops in WWI.Does show the many variations and accessories. Also includes Navy use(the first U.S. adopter of the gun). Many authors should at least read this book if they want to write about WWI and early WWII U.S. Navy as our guns were in our standard Cal. .30 while I have read otherwise good works that list the U.S. Navy Lewis guns as Cal. .303 British. A good look at a significant machine gun in military history.

Lavishly illustrated so in a book this short, not all that much room left over for text, but I think it did a great job covering the subject and would recommend this book. The Star Wars connection is amusing...

Pretty good book all in all. I wish there had been more on Japanese made Lewis guns as that's what I own.

I do not, not paid to be a book reviewer. I liked this book because the subject interested me. F

Well written and interesting; a useful addition to the series

great

Good, clearly written and well illustrated but severely limited. Unfortunately it's the best there is available unless your willing to go hunting round Bookshops for older, more comprehensive titles from the 1930 to 1950s.

Very useful and detailed book about the Lewis gun. In just 80 pages, this book tells you how the Lewis gun was made and originated from as well as his it was used effectively in warfare for infantry, vehicle's and aircraft. It amazes me that a World war 1 LMG was still used in service in WW2 and even after the two world wars.

Very interesting read

very interesting

The Lewis gun is regarded as the best light machine gun of the First World War, and for good reason. This book does a fantastic job of covering its history, design, and success. There’s many first hand accounts of troops in action using the weapon, which some titles include less of so that was nice to have here, most of which are from British soldiers. British service is by far the focus here, although weapons in other nations service are all mentioned, less emphasis is placed on them for sure, same goes for service in the Second World War. It’s many other roles as tank and aircraft armament are also covered, and there’s colour artwork for all their uses, as well and side by side comparisons of all the British marks for air use (Mk I-III). There’s a lot of components unique about the gun, the clock type spring, pan magazine, and forced air cooling and these are well covered in design and use, most of which wouldn’t be carried on into future designs, but which overall make for one of the most successful weapons of its time, and still on of the most unique and recognizable.