The shed claim applies to the hydrostatic pistol, the triggering mechanism, within the larger depth-charge development effort. Engineers associated with Thomas Firth and Sons in Sheffield used physical test rigs in workshops and at home. One recalled account describes a glass-sided test, although that detail was found in only one book and its location is uncertain. Naval specialists at HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy's torpedo and mine school, pursued related work. Designs moved between the industrial engineers and the naval establishment. The mechanism's purpose was to make the charge detonate at a chosen depth.
Chapter · 1:20:15-1:23:43
The hydrostatic pistol made depth charges practical
Home-built test tanks and collaboration with HMS Vernon helped produce a fuze that detonated a depth charge at a selected pressure and depth.