Historical question M1903 Springfield

[P-07ShortLee]

Are there any accounts on the early use of the M1903? Not counting those altered for the .30-06 cartridge.

The January 1905 letter (the "useless invention")from T. Roosevelt mentions he would like input of officers who have used the bayonet in the Philipines, did he mean those who had actually used the M1903 "rod" bayonet (between 1904-1905) or just had experiance with a bayont (krag or .45-70) maybe even as far back as 1898?

Another mention was in 1907? when the order for the repair of the M1905 bayonets mentioned sending parts there.

And what about the vague mention of the early .30-03 rifles seeing service in Alaska?

Seems like little is known on the first 10 years of use.

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.

[Rick the Librarian]

Nothing much ... the cadets at West Point used them, as there are several pictures, but that hardly qualifies (to me, at least) as "hard service". I would certainly like to see some data, as well. As I recall, it was a while before ther new rifles were passed out.

[m1903rifle]

George S.Patton,Jr. used one at West Point

[Jim Tarleton]

The uprising of black troops in New Mexico(?). Don't remember the exact details, but they used the 30-03 empties to blame the soldiers.

Jim

[Rick the Librarian]

I think that was in 1906 in Brownsville TX. I remember reading the report at some point that 30-03 cases were found. Of course, the rifles could have been modified to 1905 standards, too.

The court martial of the black soldiers was unduly harsh, several hundred being convicted or at least dismissed from the Army, including many that had nothing to do with the incident. It was a black mark on T.R.'s record as president, that he upheld the conviction. IIRC, most of the soldiers were pardoned ... some 80 years after the event, when nearly all had passed away.

[rice 123]

I have read that the troops at Brownsville still had Krags I could be wrong

[Hondo]

The letter from Patton really gives an insight to his personality....thanks for sharing.

[P-07ShortLee]

I have read that the troops at Brownsville still had Krags I could be wrong

It's possible, anyone (RtL?) recall where they read about the .30-03 cases?

Still interested in what the reference to Alaska was, did they send them there for field trials?

[Rick the Librarian]

I want to say Edward Morris' book Theodorus Rex, but I'd want to look for sure.

[P-07ShortLee]

Thanks Rick, I'll have to look for that one.