The Lyle Gun was a short-barreled cannon designed to throw a line. It fired a heavy projectile with a light line attached which was intended to draw in a heavier line or flexible pipe.
A line could be thrown from ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship for refueling at sea, transferring goods, or personnel seated in a ‘bosun’s chair’. Ships were required to carry line-throwing equipment and thousands of Lyle Guns were used during World War II.
The Lyle Gun was originally designed in 1878 by Army Captain David Lyle as a ship-to-shore life-saving device for stranded vessels along the coasts. It was such an effective mechanism that it continued to be in use through 1952.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Turn right to re-enter the house through the wooden door on your right to explore the Officer’s Quarters. The first cabin on your left is the Chief Engineer's.