Under Col Ken Kinsler. Arrived Oz Dec 42. Based in Gordonvale northern Queensland. Trained
there and were among the leading players in the liberation of Nadzab, New Guinea from the Japs. My question. Has anyone any evidence that these guys had any M1A1's issued to them at that time? I think they may have but proof is hard to find. This was well before D Day in Europe.
Cheers all. Mikey. N.Z.
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
Mikey,
You have probably seen this but might be helpful albeit a little later:
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Mikey 52, Of all the photos I have looked at on this battle I have seen a few carbines but no M1A1's with the 503rd. By the end of December 1942 Inland had made just 4,300 or so M1A1 carbines. I don't know if any could have gotten there in time for the battle. I know some have said the M1A1 didn't see action till Sicily with the Para's.
CCNL 341 includes a priority list sent to the Chief of Ordnance for issuance of M1A1 Carbines.
The list is dated 12 Nov 42. 3/503 is second on the list.
Even with Pacific shipping being a huge challenge during this early war period, 10 months seems like plenty of time to get them there in time for the Nadzab operation (assuming the CoO accepted the recommendation).
503d PIR arrived Dec 1942............. Trained for 9 months. Jumped on Nadzab/Markum Valley Sep 5th 1943.
Returned to Brisbane, Australia Feb 2 1944.
Oct 44 Col Kinsler committed suicide, reason unknown.
First Pacific jump.
This was the first entire regiment to jump.
A test case to see if 'Vertical Insertion' could work out after the 2 bad cases in the African/? jumps went wrong.
Literally under the Circling Overhead watchful eyes of Gen Mac. and the rest of the Brass Hats.
I'd believe if they were requested, there were some M1A1 available.
Plenty of B17, B25's....etc to get them there.
Mike,
Try these links for any possible leads while they were training in OZ.
Might be some personal accounts....
At about 1:16-1:20 you can catch a look at the top of a Carbine Hand Guard being held by the trooper on the left...... behind the Left front guy. Look below front guys arm when raised.
Last edited by painter777; 05-18-2019 at 09:43 PM.
Reason: Add Video link
Charlie-Painter777
A Country Has No Greater Responsibility Than To Care For Those Who Served...
Greetings Charlie, long time no speak! I had some luck last night. Check the above link. Plenty of M1A1's in it but you have to look carefully. If you search Nadzab on the same site you can find a few more. Thanks for all the clues folks. Mike.
Mike,
Even though this reads it's in Nadzab New Guinea in 1943, I believe this is the 503 loading up being driven to the take off while still there in New Zealand.
Any way if you look thru the pictures a frame at a time you'll see many M1a1's....
So whats up ?
Have you run across something interesting in your area ?
Little more footage here. Tells how the Aussies got 'Invited' to come along and jump. Some I read had as little as 1 day of practice..... Some had no practice jumps !