The Livens Projector, a British invention of the First World War, was a simple yet terrifying weapon. Essentially a large-bore mortar, it launched a projectile containing gallons of oil and ignited by an attached charge, creating a massive burst of flame. Its large size and short range meant it was most effective in static trench warfare, where it could blanket enemy positions in fire. While not as well-known as other WWI weapons, the Livens Projector played a significant, albeit horrific, role in the conflict.
