Whilst researching the 1st East Surrey's in North Africa, I came upon a few photographs of members of the Regiment using German weapons - in particular MP40's and MG34's and both in different engagements. As there was no calibre crossover, how common was this? And considering the logistics of resupply of ammo (zero from allied units) what real gain would there have been? I can understand the MG34 being used DURING an engagement if your own weapon failed or ammunition was expended, but in the case of the patrol armed with MP40's, they appear to be under no 'stress' and in fact a little posed.....
Some links Captured Ammo Non-standard, substitute standard, and captured weapons in British and Commonwealth service Captured Enemy Equipment
Use of captured equipment, either short-term or long-term, was very common among British, Empire, and Commonwealth troops. Check the threads listed. Special operations personnel at Camp X in Canada were trained not merely on standard enemy weapons but on secondary types as well. I could cite innumerable other examples.
Very posed, I suspect. No equipment or spare ammo and who would go on patrol wearing a smart sidehat like that? Chris
There's another photo from that 1st Surrys patrol series on the MP40 Wikipedia page. Again very posed.
As there was no calibre crossover, how common was this? The MP40 and STEN used the same ammo. 9x19 mm Parabellum
There was caliber crossover on the MG34 as well as the MP40. The Besa MG, standard in British tanks, chambered the same 7.92 x57mm cartridge as the MG34.