Would like to know what weapons were carried by each Squad and troop , as in personal weapons and heavier stuff like mortars, heavier automatic weapons , have noticed in a few photos that OR's were carrying side arms?? Was this normal procedure with Recce troops , any help would be much appreciated thanks. Terry
The personal weapons data vanished from WEs during the latter half of 1943, so the Recce Regt WE for the end of 1943 only has the support weapon figures. For rifles, Stens and pistols you have to check the War Office letter on the subject from June 1943 and then apply the logic to the unit involved. Turns out I wasn't too far out in my estimates of way back when. I've been reworking my old notes recently so this a memory test; All officers; Other Ranks in armoured cars (excepting below) - pistols WO Class I, one OR per armoured car, drivers of motorcycles and all vehicles (excepting Universal carriers, but including carriers 3-inch mortar), Section commanders and No.1 of 2-inch mortar in Assault Troops, range-takers and stretcher-bearers - Sten guns Remainder - rifles, except; Firers of single Bren guns (total 96) - 63 in carriers, 21 LRCs in Recce Squadrons and 12 in Assault Sections The Recce Regt was also authorised six sniper rifles, which became individual weapons at some point during 1944. Gary
