No4's Dropped to the French Resistance

[CINDERS]

Yes to be caught with any weapon by the Germans your'e handed to the SS after they finished with you your fate was pretty much sealed in public as a deterrent which probably caused more french men & women to join the cause to fight back have to remember their efforts were a sustained over a long period and no doubt diverted troops and caused disruptions to the German war effort whilst other measures were regrouping to finish the job.

[henry r]

They mention 1000rds per canister of rifles. 100-112ish rounds per rifle is a reasonable amount when you are avoiding open conflict and live fire practice is likely to draw unwanted attention.

[Paul S.]

I wonder if there was some other reason for dropping German weapons for the resistance to use such as traceability???

Easy answer. The resistance could replenish their ammunition stores by taking it from any Germans they killed, or supplies they hijacked or stole.

[Gil Boyd]

It would appear from "many" archive photos of the French Resistance, that the two key weapons of the day were the sten and the Bren. Highly likely chosen not only for a burst when needed, but also to be broken down and hidden more easily in the woods and forests away from their place of abode.
The Thompson appears in odd photos, but strangely only carried by women, perhaps the shortage of .45 was an issue until the Americans were more evident in their respective areas over the whole of France, rather than reliant on drops from the RAF of .303 and 9mm, and the men opted for weapons with readily available ammo.

I am sure for many years yet to come, weapons will be found that were hidden by cells that were completely taken out by the Gestapo. The key principle as told to me once by an ex resistance lady, was that the weapons locations were only known to the specific group, and no outsiders including other groups, as many had been compromised due to many factors.

It was a bit like the " Windthrop theory" in reverse of finding such stashes in NI hidden by the IRA.

[Flying10uk]

Although not a weapon but sort of related to this thread, some years ago a prototype Citroen 2CV was found hidden, behind a false wall I believe, in France. I have seen this car not long after it was discovered and it was left in the "discovered condition". I believe that it was hidden because the French were worried that the German may try to "steal" the design/technology. Some may argue that the Germans would not want to in this instance but the point which I'm making is that is was fairly well hidden to have remained undiscovered for over 45/50 years.

[Peter Laidler]

Oooooooooo. I wonder if anyone else is thinking the old phrase 'buy the rifle and NOT the story' when reading this thread. I bet some of these old French men selling are just as adept at glossing up the event as even the best EBay seller. Just my thoughts............

[Gil Boyd]

That often gets forgotten on here Peter and a good time as its New Year to remind those who are tempted by a good story, albeit we say it enough times, and still people go for it.

[mrclark303]

Well that's always an issue, but they are still available Peter. Homework, common sense (no FTR markings)etc and following a trusted gut feeling should narrow down the field.

30Three pointed out a superb No4 with the cross of Lorraine carved into the underside of the forend the other day, like I say, they are still around.

Point taken though, a cautious approach is needed.

[read6737]

I live in the Limoges area, in the village where Georges Guingouin was born.
You need to visit the local museams, talk to the local arms dealers to find colectors. They know a lot of people, and where stuff is.
Buy a copy of the french Monthly shooting mag Cibles, they list all the arms fairs and there 2 very big one in Feb / March one is in Potiers.
This area had lots of air drops, My friend had one of 3 found boxed un uses No 4 savages, His was mint one was slightly pitted and the other was well pitted but good.
I have an SMLE in 303 sporting and a Long Branch No4 in 6.5X75R. Both resistance but no proof. The SMLE wes foung by a friend who had it converted so it could be used, the other had a bull Sh......t story about its convertion but the history was right. No proof though. the price was right for both, so gave nothing for the story.
I hear about arms all the time being found, No 4s a little few and far between, Lots of stens, and german stuff.
My best advice is realy Peters, Buy the arm , Not the story,
As far as I know no arms were marked as to resistance use, arms were referbished or new in boxes as it had to work the moment the case was opened no grease to clean off.

303 british, was converted to 303 sporting,, 30,06 to 30,06cc, 8X57 to 8X60 and 8X64,
as the mill spec roungs changed the calss and you are not alowed to hunt with them.
the sights were fixed at 300m ot less and bayonet lugs removed, so you nedd to check the gun.

There is the Georges Guingouin resistance museam to visit, as well as the one in Limoges.
2 arms dealers that are very good in the town,
there are others near by.

You could PM Warren on this site as I know he has contacts out here, or PM me if I can help.

[mrclark303]

Many thanks for the info, looks like a few more places to work into the next trip!

I wonder what efforts were made by the French provisional Government in the post invasion period (say 24 months) to round up the ex resistance firearms?

I would imagine the thought of a very considerable number of hidden SMG's in particular, would give the authorities sleepless nights!