Featherstone Make a Difference Forum

when I was a kid there was a really good programme entitled
'Call The Gun Expert'

it was a documentary series about the early days of forensics, particularly a man who's name I can't rememember, who used science to solve crimes involving guns. It was hosted by McDonald Hastings.

One murder he investigated which was never solved was committed in Featherstone in the 1920s and never solved.
I was rapt.

It occured on the stacks which occupied the site where Linpac now is, where the aketon road joins wakefield road and goes over a bridge.
The crime wasn't commited by a 'normal' gun, but a home made weapon with a home made bullet. The gun was called (I think) a bipe pump gun, and resembled one of those metal snooker cue cases. The bullet was inserted and air pumped into the weapon via a valve. the pressure inside gave the gun its power.
I know I didn't imagine this. has anyone else heard of it?

How interesting, might do a little research see if I can find anything  ;D

Found this with a quick google search:
Call the Gun Expert featured dramatisations of real-life police investigations featuring the work of Scotland Yard's ballistics expert Robert Churchill.

Not quite sure but is this what you are looking for

programme listings - Call the Gun Expert

http://www.startrader.co.uk/Action%20TV/guide60s/callgun.htm

the incident has similarities with the one that is supposed to have taken place on the lancs/yorks border

it isn't a question of failing memory, since I've had this thing in my head for well over 40 years.

http://www.truecrimelibrary.com/crime_series_show.php?id=1293&series_number=11
this is the story
and it clearly isn't in featherstone.

I wonder whether the place I mentioned was used in the tv reconstruction.

it's a bloody good tale, and I think at least one book has been written about it.