9 Dec 2020 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

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[Ovidio]

Sh...tty job. And scary...

[browningautorifle]

Must be a reason they were ordered to do that in place. I'd be either tempted to blow in place or hook ropes and pull from distance and see what went off. There's too much opportunity for issues as is.

[rcathey]

I wouldn't imagine so this late in the war but maybe they think there's some intelligence value here?

[BEAR]

"Hey, that kid has our defusing kit!"

[champ0608]

The way the soldier with the M1 and the local are looking at each other, makes me feel like this isn't a staged photo. Gives me the chills.

[browningautorifle]

Looks like he just appeared and is as surprised as the troop is. Not expecting to see each other. They don't seem to care about the guy watching from across the street at all.

[matthanne1]

This pic won't leave me alone- There's another crate beyond the wire fence, too. Maybe one that has been already disarmed. However, I just can't help but wonder why these bulk demo charges had to be disarmed instead of blown in place either. I suspect that instead of disarming (removing triggering means) they were instead probably being cleared/safed before removal as disarming of armed ordnance is usually a one-man job. Also, as the Japs were on the defensive these would not make sense where they sit, nor to be used to demo or clear obstacles in an open place like that, but more likely used to hinder an advance, destroy infrastucture such as a bridge, culvert, etc. I think they were recovered and are being 'safed' for removal. Just my two cents and thankful I was not given that task!

[Daan Kemp]

That much explosive would demolish quite a bit of the area, being lightly built, thus disarm.

[browningautorifle]

That much explosive would demolish quite a bit of the area

Agreed, but my first thought is of my troops safety. Higher up doesn't always...as for enemy buildings and such, not so important to me. Looks like it's after the fight anyway.