ww2 compass - issued to whom?

Which ranks were issued with a standard compass in the autumn of 1944 in Italy?

 

British practice was that compasses were issued as equipment for a specific role rather than as a routine issue (e.g. by rank). They were relatively strictly controlled, similarly binoculars and watches - loss had to be accounted for.

So - Field Officers would usually have access. Also NCO's in charge of equipment requiring moving and siting- a gun, medium machine gun, tank, armoured car, mobile bath unit, etc.

As an observation, there seems to be considerably less privately owned compasses for the Second World War than the First World War.



So - Field Officers would usually have access. Also NCO's in charge of equipment requiring moving and siting- a gun, medium machine gun, tank, armoured car, mobile bath unit, etc.

 

Thank you very much. That answers my question - a compass was found on the body of an unknown soldier who was believed to have been an infantryman/rifleman/ fusilier whom I am trying to help identify, but it looks as though we might have to think again.

Here's a picture of the compass:


Regards,

Vitellino

 

Hi Vitellino

Found this interesting link for you and your compass - it seems to be a MkIII marching compass - http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Spotting-the-British-Army-Mk-111-compass-fakes-/10000000017383877/g.html

TD

 

In that case does the 'Field Officer' rule still apply?

Vitellino

 

It has the broad arrow government property mark so would be an 'issue for role and return' item. That doesn't mean many were not 'borrowed'. Whilst the type is referred to as a 'marching compass' it is the typical general purpose military compass (the thumb ring was meant to quickly steady the compass when held, so useful on the move).

I am so sorry, it doesn't really help with your identification - best we can do is: Not exclusively, however most likely, ranked between a Corporal and Major in rank.

Thank you for your efforts.

 

Just a thought. It may be worth giving us the full story. What makes you think he was a rifleman/fusilier? Were there other artefacts? - Webbing remains containing ammunition calibre and type could be a clue. Most roles requiring a compass in Italy post 1942 era would be smg armed (9mm Sten or .45in Thompson). Generally only a few officers or MP/DR would opt for a pistol (.38in). Rifle ammunition would err towards a corporal section commander. Vehicle crew are likely to have minimal webbing so may not have much with them.

 

At the moment he is the subject of a missing man enquiry which is in the hands of the MOD. If you send me a private message I will give you more detials.

Vitellino