“Troops finally had a machine gun they could carry across the battlefield with relative ease, providing essential firepower exactly where it was needed.”

THE Lewis machine gun, known for its distinctive barrel shroud, top-mounted drum magazine, and reliable performance, is one of the most recognizable weapons of the First World War.

At 28 pounds, the .303 caliber Lewis was light enough to be carried by a single soldier—unusual for the era. Compared to the 90-pound Vickers machine gun and its heavy tripod and water canister, the Lewis gun was a godsend for mobility. Troops finally had a machine gun they could carry across the battlefield with relative ease, providing essential firepower exactly where it was needed. This portability contributed to its popularity among troops, and it was commonly used by infantry, artillery crews, and even pilots.

Beyond its impressive design and deadly efficiency, the Lewis gun has an intriguing backstory and a legacy that spans decades. Let’s dive into seven fascinating facts that make the Lewis machine gun a piece of history worth examining.

 An American Design

Despite its fame with British and Commonwealth forces, the Lewis gun was actually designed in the United States. In 1911, U.S. Army Colonel Isaac Newton Lewis refined the initial designs of Samuel McClean to create a portable and air-cooled machine gun, a revolutionary concept at the time. However, the U.S. Army was skeptical and chose not to adopt the gun, citing concerns about reliability and practicality. Many also believe that Lewis’ gun was rejected by the chief of the Ordnance Department, General William Crozier, because of a personal feud between the two men.

Complaining that he was being hampered by “rejections from ignorant hacks,” Lewis quit the U.S. Army in 1913 and moved to Europe to peddle his invention there. He established an armoury in Belgium and began working with the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited in England to manufacture the weapon for the British military, who quickly saw its potential. The gun’s lightweight design and ease of operation made it an ideal choice for soldiers on the front lines, and by World War I, it was a staple of British and Allied forces, while the U.S. military initially stuck with the M1917 Browning machine gun.

Revolutionary Air-Cooled Barrel Shroud

One of the most recognizable features of the Lewis gun is its distinctive barrel shroud, designed to improve cooling and maintain rapid firing capability. The shroud covers the barrel and uses the motion of fired rounds to draw in air, creating a cooling effect without the need for bulky water jackets, which were standard on many machine guns of the time. This air-cooling design allowed the gun to fire longer and stay operational in conditions where water might not be available—a crucial advantage in the mud and trenches of World War I.

This innovation made the Lewis gun particularly suitable for light infantry roles and later, for use in aircraft, where a water-cooling system would have been too cumbersome. In this sense, it set the stage for future developments in lightweight, air-cooled firearms.

The Perfect Infantry Companion

The Lewis gun was a beast in terms of firepower. Capable of hurling between 500 and 600 rounds per minute, it provided intense suppressing fire for advancing soldiers. This high rate of fire was supported by its unique top-mounted pan magazine, which typically held 47 rounds (or 97 in the larger version used in aircraft). The drum-style magazine not only allowed for quick reloading but also gave the gun a low profile when positioned in trenches.

Lewis vs. Vickers

The Lewis gun often found itself compared to the heavier, more robust Vickers machine gun, another staple of the British Army. While the Vickers was prized for its reliability and sustained fire, it was far heavier and required a crew to operate effectively. The Lewis, on the other hand, could be operated by a single soldier and was better suited for mobile infantry units.

Each gun had its strengths: the Vickers was better for stationary positions due to its water-cooled design, which allowed for continuous firing without overheating. Meanwhile, the Lewis gun’s air-cooled system, lighter weight, and ease of mobility made it ideal for advancing troops and quickly changing battlefield conditions. The two guns complemented each other and provided the British forces with a versatile range of firepower options during World War I and beyond.

From Trenches to Skies

The Lewis gun wasn’t just an infantry weapon; it made a significant impact in aerial combat as well. During World War I, the British and French militaries recognized the gun’s potential for aircraft use, particularly in a defensive role for observation planes and bombers. The gun’s air-cooled barrel made it ideal for high-altitude use, where the freezing temperatures and fast-moving air helped keep it cool.

The Lewis gun was mounted on early fighter planes and was used by the observer or gunner in two-seater aircraft. Its effectiveness in air-to-air combat was proven when, in 1915, British pilot Lanoe Hawker downed three enemy aircraft with his Lewis gun, earning him the Victoria Cross. The gun’s ease of handling and relatively high rate of fire made it one of the go-to weapons for aerial gunners, solidifying its reputation as a versatile and adaptable firearm.

On more than one occasion, wing mounted Lewis guns posed risks to pilots, who often had to switch out the drum magazines while still keeping their aircraft under control. The famous British flier, Louis Strange, experiences these dangers first-hand. On May 10, 1915, while flying a Martinsyde S.1 scout in a dogfight against a German plane, Strange had to stand up in his cockpit seat to change the empty drum. After releasing the controls to insert a new magazine, the aircraft rolled over and Strange fell out. Miraculously, he managed to grab hold of the Lewis gun but found himself hanging on for dear life while the plane plummeted to the ground. After a few terrifying seconds, Strange managed to hook a leg back into the cockpit and climb aboard. The German crew caught a glimpse of the spectacle and, believing that Strange had fallen to his death, claimed the kill.   

 “The Belgian Rattlesnake”

In the trenches, the Lewis gun earned itself an interesting nickname: “the Belgian Rattlesnake.” The curious moniker came not from the Americans or the British, but rather  the Germans, who learned to fear and respect the distinctive chatter the gun made when it fired. In fact, the Germans were so impressed with the Lewis, they added captured ones to their arsenal. As many as 10,000 of the weapons found their way into German hands. A factory in occupied Belgium converted the weapons to fire 8mm Mauser rifle rounds.

A Lasting Legacy

The Lewis gun’s influence didn’t end with the Armistice. The Lewis continued to serve in British and Commonwealth forces into the Second World War and later in the Korean Conflict. In fact, it would see action in more than 20 different conflicts of the 20th Century and serve in 50 different armies worldwide.

In addition to its military legacy, the Lewis gun made its way into popular culture. Its unique look and historical significance have earned it appearances in countless war films, video games, and even as a prized collector’s item for military history enthusiasts.