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    #1

    Use of handguns by US soldiers in WW2

    Thanks to the history channel, I was able to watch all of the Band of Brothers
    on Memorial Day.

    Question #1
    Several of the American soldiers had 1911 handguns. Was this common
    during WW2? Or was this more TV fiction?

    Question #2
    I am aware of the loss of weapons by Airborne troops during the Normandy
    drop, but was there much use of german weapons by allied troops after
    that?

    Thanks
    Tags: None
    #2
    Hi i also just watch my DVD of band of brothers and noticed it seemed to be mostly the translators of the unit that had the hand guns as well.

    i know this dont help much but it was what i noticed when watching and i wondered the same thing to start with.

    Comment

      #3
      As far as enlisted men go, the 1911 handgun was carried by gunners and asst gunners on the Browning MG, 60 motars, 57 recoiless rifle, and the bazooka carrier. Basically anyone who had to carry a heavy weapon. The ammo bearers carried carbines or Garands. I believe tankers carried a handgun also. At least that was the way it was when I was in the Army in the later 50's and little had changed since WWII at that time. Officers carried a handgun plus most carried a carbine also. I would imagine that hand guns were picked up by other troops when ever or where ever they could obtain them in combat or trading. Also civilian handguns or WWI 1911's, sent to their son's by fathers, from home. Not sure if this answers your question or not, Ray

      Comment

        #4
        To add to the information from Ray, quite a few Military Police units were armed with M1917 cal. .45ACP revolvers that were manufactured 1917-1919 as substitute standard sidearms.
        I'll try a photo here.




        Sgt. of the Guard John F. Squire takes report from Pvt. Michael Burns in New Guinea, Nov. 29th, 1942. These soldiers are armed with M1917 revolvers with Model 1909 pattern holsters.
        (National Archives photo)

        From the shape of the butt, these appear to be Colts.

        In the Pacific Theater, Navy and Marine airmen frequently carred Smith & Wesson Military & Police "Victory" revolvers, caliber .38 S&W Special (the K-frame, which later became the Model 10.)

        JT
        Last edited by jacobtowne; 06-02-2006, 08:50 AM.

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