Does this sheep-skin clad Welsh Guards soldier, who was photographed near Hassum, Germany, in Feb 45 (Op Veritable), carry a Garand rifle? See also: VERITABLE 1945: 51st Highland Division Reichswald Forest
Thompson M1A1 and M1928A1 in the same picture. Nice. Sgt Saunders switched back and forth during his career.
Royal Marines or Commando's were using Garand Rifles during WW2. I think I posted some pages about it on the forum a few years ago.
I wonder how he replenished his ammunition ... or was the rifle the same calibre as the Lee-Enfield and could he use British cartridges.
Good morning Stolpi, Different calibres (and different cartridge type too) 30-06 ("thirty odd six") for the Garand, 303 ("three oh three") for the Enfield. "Rimless" for the Garand, "Rimmed" for the Enfield. The chap must of had a decent QM. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Hello Dave, I realise you'll already know all there is to know about this (hopefully never experienced it!). So, for those who may have missed your "Garand thumb" reference above, feel free to wince! Kind regards, always, Jim.
Lend-lease rifles were supposed to be marked with a red band if they where chambered for anything other than .303. Wouldn't apply to the Welshman's rifle if he picked his up on the battlefield, of course. I think the makers of Dad's Army missed that detail on the men's M1917s. Still a wonderful show though. “Class I. Arms which do NOT fire .303-inch ... British Service ammunition will be marked with a 2-inch band of RED paint. On this band will be stencilled in BLACK the calibre of the weapon.” [capitals in the original] Garands In The King's Service