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I thought you 03 guys would like to see some 03's in use by the US Navy. I scored this old cabinet card years ago. I always thought it was pretty rare to find any images of 03's in service of the Navy. I think it's 20's-30' era. Blown up you can see the sailors are wearing Eagle Snap Mills belts. I always referred to it as my "Sand Pebbles" photo, but I doubt it was taken in China. Anyways enjoy!
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...scan0002-1.jpg
Actually, I've seen a number of pictures of sailors with M1903s. Before WWII, sailors (as you probably know) were given quite a bit of training in small arms and were considered as a legitimate landing force. In Veracruz, in 1914, large numbers of sailors were landed and went into combat.
Excellent picture!
I have one other Navy photo that's a stereo view card of the same era. I'd like to see some more Navy 03's in service. Maybe someone should start a thread on all our personal 03 photos?
If you have Bruce Canfield's book, he has a couple (maybe a few?) pictures of sailors with (or practicing with) '03s. Due to copyright, I don't think I could reproduce them here.
A picture thread on '03s in service would be a great idea!
Bluejackets!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian
jt
Here is my grampa in 1917 on the rifle range that he helped build at Camp Logan, Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He qualified as an Expert Rifleman and I still have his Expert Rifleman's patch and his Navy Blue Uniform, cap and sailers scarf. Grampa served on the U.S.S. Wadsworth in the North Atlantic. I've also got his three booklet Diary that he kept during that time. Thery're quite small and it's possible that he wasn't even suppossed to keep one.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Grandpa3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...Grandpa5-1.jpg
Here is my gramps, James "Mett" Shippee, again in Brest France at the old city wall and moat, 1917 or 1918. Something else that I have that's interesting of his is about 20 30-06 cartridges dated 1918 on the head, one of which has a cross scratched into the face of the head & a strip of tape wrapped around the cartridge with the words written in his hand writing that says "To kill Kaiser Bill with". Gramps allways did remind me of the character Jake Holman in the movie, "The Sand Pebbles". He told me that he, and other shipmates, had occassionaly shot at and detonated mines floating in the North Atlantic. Old man's stories? I don't think so. Gramps never lied or told exagerations to me to my knowlege.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stFrance-1.jpg
Great Photos, thanks for posting!
Check out the blow up and the buildings in the
back ground of my picture. Same buildings ???
It's uncanny.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SPHouse2-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SPHouse1-1.jpg
I think that you're right Jake! I'll bet that your photo is also at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois. Wow, that's pretty neat! That's a Fantastic photo you've shared too! I'd like to see more if you've got them! Fred
Attachment 34801 May I add a photo from my collection?This is my uncle.
Not yet certain of his dates of service or postings. Is'nt that a 03? Does the kit provide any clues as to period?
PS Jake
Check WTS posting for an original copy of the book on which the movie was based.
It's an Early picture allright! The sling has only one brass hook and the bayonet scabbard is the one with the Krag type hanger and the leather scabbard with the metal throat. Probably before 1908 or 1907.
I'll bet that that handguard has a solid top without a sight groove and without metal clips too! Thanks for sharing!!!
I think that may be a bit early as my uncle was a bit older than my father who entered the navy for WWII by misrepresnting his age. I will see if his daughter can shead any light on his service.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred G.
I concur. That bayo is in a leather scabbard for sure. The bolt on the 03 is straight. I'd sure like to see if the snap on that pistol belt is an Eagle snap!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred G.
+2 on sharing the pic. Thanks!
Ok here is the infomation to date. His service was WWII. daughter found a $1 bill in his wallet after his passing signed by his buddies (carried it all those years and none knew about it) upon crossing the equator Oct 28 1942. Photo was taken in Norfork VA (no date).I have heard you can petition the navy for service records. Is that the case? No family members left with informaion on ship, posting etc..
Here's the sight. Look around. It may take you a while. There's page in here that if you put in his name and serial number his basic info will come up. From there you can request all the info that is available and you should be able to get it all as you are a family member.
National Archives and Records Administration
Thanks
His daughter found some of the information she did not know she had. Discharge certifiacte indicate dates of service Jan. 1942 to Oct. 1945. Stations Norfolk Va,Corpis Cristi TX. Rerhaps somone can help with this one, Transtrainronlant, Patro Sqdr, 203: Hedron FAW 15?
Rank at discharge Aviation Eletronics Tech 1st class.
man this makes me want to drop 40 LBS and get all dressed up in my old crackerjacks with my 1903:D, also makes me a little ashamed that I actually had to pay just to qualify in small arms. I would love to be able to go through the navy rifle qual course with my 1903. the navy sure aint what it used to be.
EDIT:
if I'm not mistaken that is transportation training squadron atlantic patrol squadron 203, hedron FAW predates my naval nonclemature but an educated guess thinks it might be the equivalent of a VAW(fighter squadron)Quote:
Transtrainronlant, Patro Sqdr, 203: Hedron FAW 15?
Rank at discharge Aviation Eletronics Tech 1st class.
he was a petty officer 1st class(paygrade E6) and his rating was AT(Aviation electronics technician)
Fleet Air Wing , prob'ly a bomber squadron , could be PBYs or airships doing ASW ( anti-submarine-warfare ) off the atlantic seaboard.
Chris
My research indicates PBYs . Thank you all very much for helping me fill the gaps im my knowlege. My uncle went from aircraft technician to food wholesaler in civilian life.Quote:
Originally Posted by emmagee1917
My father trained on M1903's (as well as M1911 pistol) at Great Lakes in March 1945, so I am guessing that virtually everyone who served in the Navy in WWII trained on the '03.