UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE U.S. ARMY & MARINE CORPS DURING WW2
This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to an American Soldier of the United States Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in U.S. militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.
THIS WEBPAGE IS CONSTANTLY BEING ADDED TO - SO PLEASE VISIT AGAIN
Thompson Sub-Machine Gun Ammuntion Pouch
U.S. Thompson Sub-Machine Gun Ammunition Pouch to hold five x 32 round box magazines.
M1 Carbine .30 Calibre
Just before the Second World War, the U.S. Army decided that it needed a light weight weapon to equip Officers and N.C.O's, as well as weapon for non 'front-line' troops such as drivers etc. By the end of 1941, the M1 Carbine had been accepted. However, it was adopted as a front line weapon by many branches of the service (including paratroops and Marines) and despite some reports of a "lack of stopping power" it was popular for it's compact size and light weight. It was fitted with a 15 round detachable box magazine, but a curved '30 round' banana magazine was also utilised. Despite being of .30 calibre, it was more of a "pistol" style cartridge when compared to the .30-06 of the M1 Garand Rifle. This particular model sports the lug under the barrel to accept a bayonet.
M1903 Springfield Rifle
Whilst the M1903 Springfield Rifle was the weapon that equiped the United States Army during the First World War, it still saw extensive front line service during World War Two. It is not uncommon to see photographs of U.S. Army personel in the Pacific and New Guinea campaigns, carrying this weapon. In particular, many troops who saw action at Buna in late 1942 were armed with the M1903 Springfield. It was also in service at Pearl Harbour on the day that the Japanese Navy struck in December, 1941 - eventually being used by troops in both the North African & European theatres. It was fed by an internal box which housed 5 rounds in two calibres, these being .30-03 and .30-06 It was superceded by the semi-automatic M1 Garand Rifle.
M1 Garand Rifle .30-06 Calibre
This rifle is commonly referred to, simply as the 'Garand' and is one of the most recognizable weapons in the U.S. arsenel. It was the first ever self loading rifle to be adopted by any army as the standard Infantry weapon. Robust in construction, it was simple to use and very reliable - therefore making it popular amongst the troops who used it. It was loaded by way of an 8 round clip, which was fed through the top of the breach (clip and all). Perhaps it was this small magazine capacity that was it's only drawback. The clip would eject with a metallic "ping" upon the discharge of the last shot and a fresh clip quickly re-loaded; ensuring a quick rate of fire.
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