What Was a Magnum?
 

The 217 Sqn ORB mentions each aircraft on one attack dropping a Magnum-would this be code for torpedo?

Re: What Was a Magnum?
 

According to references in the book "An Expendable Squadron: The Story of 217 Squadron, Coastal Command, 1939–1945" By Roy Conyers Nesbit, a Magnum was an air-dropped 2000 lb electro-magnetic mine, activated by the magnetic field of a ship passing over the mine.

Re: What Was a Magnum?
 

Hi Chris

Google AI says:

‘In WWII RAF slang, "magnum" typically referred to a large or powerful bomb, often a 2,000-pound bomb. It was a term used to describe a weapon that could cause significant damage, both physically and psychologically. The term "magnum" is related to the word "magnum" which means a large bottle, so it makes sense that a large bomb would be called a "magnum".’

No idea if this is correct!

Re: What Was a Magnum?
 

True if you're talking about champagne, but for those of us who underwent school Latin the word's basic meaning is "a big thing".

Re: What Was a Magnum?
 

...or a chocolate lolly...............