It was designed to throw a 2 lb (0.91 kg) projectile in a high trajectory into enemy trenches.

[2] It was invented by Claude Pemberton Leach as an answer to the German Wurfmaschine, a spring-powered device for propelling a hand grenade about 200 m (220 yd).

[1] The design was a Y-shaped frame with natural rubber bands pulled taut by a windlass and held in position by a hook release.

They were manufactured by the Gamages department store in Central London and cost £6 17s 6d to make.

[3] Copies of the Leach catapult, made locally by the Royal Engineers, were used in the Gallipoli Campaign.