Owen Submachine Gun
In 1939, 24-year-old Evelyn Owen took his concept design of a submachine gun to the Australian army which initially showed no interest. It subsequently agreed to the gun’s development mainly through the efforts of Vincent Wardell, Manager of Lysaght’s Springhill Plant, and Essington Lewis, wartime director of munitions. The gun was developed to a production stage by Gerard Wardell (Vincent’s brother) assisted by Evelyn Owen and Fred Kunzler, a John Lysaght employee.
After harsh trials of the British Sten, the Austen (Australian variant), and the USA’s Thompson, involving sand, mud and water, the Owen was the only weapon that remained serviceable, proving it superior to others used by Allied forces. Over 45,000 Owen guns were manufactured between 1942 and 1944.
The Australian-designed and manufactured 9mm Owen submachine gun contributed significantly to fewer casualties and to the defeat of the Japanese army in the Pacific War from 1942 to 1945.
The functionality of the Owen allowed it to serve the Australian Army until the mid-1960s.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | May 2018 |
| Heritage Significance | This revolutionary small arms weapon was brought into production at just the right time to save many Australian lives in combat in the South-West Pacific theatre of war. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet | Not available. |
| Interpretation Panel | None Installed. |
