Here we apparently have a No32 sniper scope and, according to the vendor, it is rare and as used by airborne forces.
It's near the bottom of the page.
http://www.clementsmilitaria.com/shop.php
Is it not just a "normal" No32 scope?
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Here we apparently have a No32 sniper scope and, according to the vendor, it is rare and as used by airborne forces.
It's near the bottom of the page.
http://www.clementsmilitaria.com/shop.php
Is it not just a "normal" No32 scope?
My No4T (complete with scope and CES) is an RAF issue - would this be classed as an 'airborne' rifle ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying10uk
Last 'serviced / overhauled' by 34th Base Workshops Catterick Sept 1968
I do not know the seller, but it appears that they like to use the word “airborne” a little loosely. If the scope has provenance of airborne use, that should be provided.
I have an actual “airborne” No.32 Mk. I, but it is completely standard. Mine came from Pte. George Siggs of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion and it was a WWII souvenir of his. I have owned quite a lot of WWII airborne kit, quite a few No.4 (T) rifles, No.32, C No. 32 and C No.67 scopes and I have never come across any mention of any being special versions for airborne use. Mine is the only one that I know of that has airborne provenance, though there may be a few others. E.g. A sniper rifle was found at Arnhem hidden in a wall as I recall but I do not know if it had a scope with it. Sadly I suspect that well over 99% of No.32 scopes have no known detailed history (beyond country of manufacture and possibly country of use) and some even have invented “histories”.
I've never heard of the term "airborne" being applied to a scope before but then I wouldn't describe myself as being any sort of scope expert.
Sorry to burst the bubble, but as far as I know the only things that were unique to us Paratroopers were the helmet/Smock and other obje da like the fold up motorbike etc.
They never made a purpose built scope or 4T rifle for paratroopers, and I am sure Peter will bear me out on that, you got what you were issued with and you looked after it in a padded/hessian bag which was tied to your bergen around your legs as per SOP.
I think the only "airborne" stuff associated with that scope is the horses*** flying in the description.
Ed
---------- Post added at 06:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 AM ----------
Maybe it is because it was transported by air at some point.
Thanks for the replies.
I wondered if anyone with "airborne" experience could explain how the UK/Commonwealth airforces would go about dropping a sniper's rifle on a drop, please? Would the scope stay on the rifle or be removed for the drop? Would the rifle and scope be dropped with the sniper or would the rifle and scope be packed in a container and dropped separately? If the rifle and sniper are dropped separately then there is a possibility of having a sniper without a rifle or having a rifle without a sniper. But if the rifle and scope is dropped with the sniper how is the rifle and scope protected from damage during the drop?
By the time of the 4T in widespread use, IIRC, the padded drop valise for the No.4 had been introduced. A padded valise, with a drop cord so rifle would have gone with the sniper and likely, scope in the tin, or more likely in the canvas scope container.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying10uk
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 PM ----------
And Trousers, Parachutist 1942 Pattern :thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil Boyd
Lots of special containers for the parachutists, eg radios, medical, mortar and other sights, etc. One small sight in your own pack or padded with you. It is your only firearm you are dropping with after all.
A simple padded case and do your best to protect the rifle. We jump with our weapons. It comes down with you on a lowering rope and strikes the ground before you...with the rest of your kit. The days of separate weapons containers are over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying10uk
Indeed. Separate weapons drops was one of the things which cost the German parachute regiment so heavily at Crete.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Ed
We, in the Commonwealth Parachute Regiments do not despatch weaponry separately.
As Jim stated, your container is strapped to your legs until clear of the aircraft, and once your canopy is up and you have kicked out of twists, you drop your container on a 15 foot rope lanyard which can then hit the ground first and leave you free to "rock and roll".
The weapons sleeve having been prepared as per SOP's before hand is one simple tug and the weapon is ready to use.
Both the German Fallschirmjäger and the UK Parachute Battalions dropped weaponry separately during the war.....................lessons were soon learnt as specialist weaponry never fell into the right hands, and the reason why weapons are now tied to you!!