Just a question

[ledge]

This might sound dumb but I was wondering, During WWII were soldiers issued brand new
M1s straight from the packing creates? Was the M1 issued in boot camp the sameone they used through out the war?

Information

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[Bob Womack]

Hi!

There were different scenarios for training and delivery of new troops. However, America was raising entire new armies and training them together from the ground up and delivering them to the war, so the scenario you ask about is entirely possible. In many cases, the guys took their weapons with them during every step of the trip. Unlike some other countries throughout history, including the Romans who forbade the return of its own army to the city of Rome, America felt like it had nothing to fear from its own armies traveling armed. So, in THIS thread, we find a picture of an army unit moving by train and the soldiers sitting in their cars, doing what soldiers always do in downtime: cleaning their weapons.

Attachment 16374

I do believe the circumstances changed as the soldiers were returning from war, however.

Bob

[browningautorifle]

Bob, I thought that particular series of photos showed a unit entraining for rail move and it would appear to me they're taking instruction on the M1 not cleaning it. Note the lack of cleaning materials on at least the near table. As far as we have found out from men who were there, rifles were issued new as you were issued your other kit. From what I've found out, you at least took your rifle with you but THINGS happened after that. You could change jobs so your weapon changed according to the TOandE. Then the story of the 101 at Bastogne getting on the trucks and some men didn't even have weapons until they got there. (how did that happen?) Then, destruction of weapons in action, pick up one that works...

[Ramboueille]

Bob, I thought that particular series of photos showed a unit entraining for rail move and it would appear to me they're taking instruction on the M1 not cleaning it. Note the lack of cleaning materials on at least the near table.

BAR,

Most of these photos were staged as this one was. Notice the extra bright lighting towards the rear for photography purposes. They shouldn't be taken too factually relating to the activities seen.

[John Wyatt]

I know that my grandfather entered the army in 1943 and qualified with the M1903 in bootcamp. He ended up with a carbine, which he carried in the Phillipines, but I don't know if it was issued when he finished training or just before boarding the troop ship or somewhere in between.

[rice 123]

I have seen film of troops using 1903s in the torch invasion of N Africa. They would have been rearmed with M1s in Africa or England probably with new M1s out of the create

[TDH]

Early in the war most basic training was done with 03's that remained for the next group. Personal weapons were issued at debarcation. The Marines carried 03's into Guadalcanal and carried them out. They were rearmed in New Zealand where they were regrouping and training.

[islandhopper]

There was a great article about 5 years ago in the GCA Journal about a guy in the 10th Mountain Div (if I remember right) that ended up getting to keep his issue rifle. It was a 2XX,XXX SA with a smattering of original parts and later add-ons - like a long pinion and type III lock bar, but with the staking cut off, making it almost look like a short pinion. The barrel and stock were original also I think, though the stock had a rebuild stamp on it. Again, if I remember right, so if I'm off track, please feel free to correct me. Anyway, I think that shows that some were issued as is and not out of the crate. I'm sure some where though. I asked my great uncle about the issuance of gear/rifles once. He avoided almost all discussion of WWII so I didn't really get a definitive answer. He just answered something like, "Oh no, we were responsible for our gear and had it the whole time we were in," when asked if they received their rifles and field gear stateside or if they received new equipment at each new area they ended up in. Like I said, he had a way of changing the subject pretty quickly so I never knew for sure if the rifle was included in this scenerio or not. And I always was self conscious about possibly bothering him with questions about that time period. He passed away last summer.