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The Machinegunner Sharpshooters Badge
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Regarding the discussion earlier in the thread about wear of the badge at the front and treatment of prisoners found wearing it, I found an interesting quote from am MgSS member in a book I bought at SOS. It is entitled "This Carnival of Hell--German Combat Experience on the Somme 1916" edited by Richard A. Baumgartner. The book is comprised of first-person accounts of the battle. The soldier was Uffz Julius Rees of the 53rd MgSS Troop attached to the 18th Division. He was underground in a dugout attempting a repair on a damaged gun when the trench was overrun by the French and he was taken prisoner. He explains:
"One thing that I did that probably saved my life was ripping the badge off my arm before they noticed it. The machine-gun sharpshooters wore a special badge on their left sleeves. The French knew it and did not spare any of them. They saw the carriage standing there and asked, "Does that belong to you?" I nodded my head no. I believe that if they had caught us on top defending ourselves they would have killed us."
I highly recommend getting this book if you are interested in the German view of the Somme battle. One of the best books I have read and hard to put down.
Regards,
Mike
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Originally posted by Mike S View PostRegarding the discussion earlier in the thread about wear of the badge at the front and treatment of prisoners found wearing it, I found an interesting quote from am MgSS member in a book I bought at SOS. It is entitled "This Carnival of Hell--German Combat Experience on the Somme 1916" edited by Richard A. Baumgartner. The book is comprised of first-person accounts of the battle. The soldier was Uffz Julius Rees of the 53rd MgSS Troop attached to the 18th Division. He was underground in a dugout attempting a repair on a damaged gun when the trench was overrun by the French and he was taken prisoner. He explains:
"One thing that I did that probably saved my life was ripping the badge off my arm before they noticed it. The machine-gun sharpshooters wore a special badge on their left sleeves. The French knew it and did not spare any of them. They saw the carriage standing there and asked, "Does that belong to you?" I nodded my head no. I believe that if they had caught us on top defending ourselves they would have killed us."
I highly recommend getting this book if you are interested in the German view of the Somme battle. One of the best books I have read and hard to put down.
Regards,
Mike
I,ve read a lot of books on WW1 but never heard of that one could you please tell me the publisher?
Thats why I believe a lot of the MG gunners just bent the tabs through the sleeve and didnt usually stitch them down.
The french hardly ever took Mg and Flamethrower personal prisoner, who could blame them. Have you read the excellent book 'Goodbye To All That' by Robert Graves and his service as a British Officer in WW1 (Anchor Books).
There,s interesting info on 'combat behavior' and the considered right time to say "enough" and expected to be allowed to surrender by the other side at the point of being overrun.
Eric
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I was reading this thread with interest the other night. Advance guard Militaria has a new offering being a Machine gunner's badge like the ones in this thread.
They want 185.00 for it. Is that the going rate? I am just curious. Feel free to reserve it whoever might want it. For that kinda money I'll stick with helmets and field gear.
William
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