David HOwroyd and the Sterling sub machine gun

[Peter Laidler]

When you next look at that Rolls Royce of SMG's, the Sterlings remember David Howroyd who passed on last Saturday, 17th Feb 2017.

It was David as the engineering manager (later the Engineering director) who incorporated all that was best from the original prototypes, engineering samples and pre-production guns into what became the Mk4 or L2A3. And later put the Mk5 and later variants into production

Information

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[Lee Enfield]

I am very sorry to hear that.

He seemed to genuinely enjoy sharing items from his collection, posting and discussing the Sterling on Uzitalk.com

I understand he would have been 95 in May.

[Vincent]

Sad news. I will put 21 rounds through my Mk4 for David.

[browningautorifle]

L2A3

I had one and shot my share through it.

[Peter Laidler]

Maybe Lee Enfield could pass on the news to UZITALK forum who also dealt with the Sterling SMG's. Thanks.

I will download all the comments after a few weeks/a month and pass them on to his daughter. If anyone wants to add to them.

[Gil Boyd]

We have many unsung heroes amongst us, and certainly David was one.
His ingenuity and dedication to passing on his expertise on a number of weapons he had in his charge,namely the MK 4 & 5 Sterling SMG, made the British & Commonwealth soldier a formidable fighting force for many decades.
He will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure to either know him, or use one of the weapons he influenced and brought to bear, during some dangerous operations.
RIP David
Gil Boyd

[mrclark303]

Attachment 91029The L2A3 really was a beutifully engineered SMG, as Peter said, the Rolls Royce of Sub Machine Guns.

Britain has always been a word leader in producing first class engineers, David was clearly among those hallowed ranks.

[Peter Laidler]

Little known fact that David Howroyd was the prime mover behind the Sterling sling too, mainly the spring loaded 'closing lock' - the brass clip at the end. The Company didn't bother patenting it because it was technically difficult and already a common design that they'd already copied (from the Sten?). It was the closing-lock that made it a one-size-fits-all SMG sling and very versatile bit of kit. They just added one with each gun sold. He said that he wishes that he'd got 1d (an old penny) in royalties for each one made

[Gil Boyd]

Peter,
What is terribly sad when these guys go, is the fact that so much information goes with them.
I appreciate you and I would probably know David for his engineering prowess, but SO many people in the future, will never know this mans input into a weapon that became iconic in its role with the British & Commonwealth Armies and the way the weapon evolved too.
It went all round the world, a weapon that could absorb terrible conditions of sand and snow thrown at it, and still carry on as it was designed to...............brilliant!

[bigduke6]

Attachment 91029The L2A3 really was a beutifully engineered SMG, as Peter said, the Rolls Royce of Sub Machine Guns.

Britain has always been a word leader in producing first class engineers, David was clearly among those hallowed ranks.

Looking at your example John I recall a few regrets in life, one is getting rid of my Deactivated SMG's (all old spec) ........... especially the Sten, Sterling and Lanchester.