Have you read Forsyth's 'Dogs of War'? Only if its about 1940 I thought his bayonet was quite interesting too-I thought they stopped issuing them by the time Italy was invaded. The only explanation I can think of is that he is an Indian soldier (He does look Indian doesn't he?) and they still had the older kit? Italy isn't my thing and I stumbled on it tonight when I started doing some research into the North African and Italian campaign. Before anyone asks -its only a one off and 1940 service will resume as soon as possible B)
Andy, re the bayonet quite possibly old kit, but I don't think the soldier looks Indian. If you can drag yourself away from 1940 for a few hours I highly recommend Dogs of War, in my opinion on a par with Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal. Have you read that one? Fascinating details in both and I don't suppose FF will ever reveal EXACTLY how much of the background detail is true.
Hi Drew A very interesting photo of the Soldier on Camino, I am still trying to make out the area is that a fence in the background? It must have been taken during the second battle I believe so could be any member of any Regiment, re the bayonet, I do know that the Grenadiers still had their long bayonets (or some of them did) and I also have been informed that my Uncle was suing an Italian automatic rifle up there during the first battel, where he got it from God knows Regards Mike (rotherfield)
Many units in Italy were using the SMLE right up until the end. The LIR, for instance, never changed to the No4. The first to change over to the No4 was the guards who got theirs in time for Sicily, but even up to the end, there were never enough No4s to go round.
Many units in Italy were using the SMLE right up until the end. The LIR, for instance, never changed to the No4. The first to change over to the No4 was the guards who got theirs in time for Sicily, but even up to the end, there were never enough No4s to go round. I've since noticed in a lot of the Italian Campaign pictures I've been flicking through that they are still using the old rifle and bayonet with some dated in '45.
Hi Drew my friend Mike wrote me about this interesting photo that you've posted here. Could you please tell me its source (magazine, book, etc.) as I am collecting photos made in the Monte Camino and the Garigliano river areas. To me it looks like it was made somewhere on the mule track from Colle di Camino going to Mieli (I will check because that big rock I believe that is still there). Regards
Hi Drew, thanks a lot for your kind answer. Could you also tell me, if possible, the number of the magazine and the year it was published?
I knew you was going to ask that and the quick answer is no-I've looked through about 100 over the last few days.
I've since noticed in a lot of the Italian Campaign pictures I've been flicking through that they are still using the old rifle and bayonet with some dated in '45. Just to add (a few days late), when 5th Div moved from Italy to Germany in 1945, they were still armed with the SMLE. Units garrisoned in Austria immediately after the war were still using them.
I knew you was going to ask that and the quick answer is no-I've looked through about 100 over the last few days. Thanks anyway, but in case you will come across that magazine again, let me know.