1903a3's at Guadalcanal ?

[Scott M.]

Just finished watching the premier of HBO's "The Pacific". At the beginning of the battle for Guadalcanal, the vast majority of the Marines are shown carrying 03a3's. Would they have been in service this early in the War ? Our invasion of Guadalcanal I believe was in August of 42.

Scott

Information

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[browningautorifle]

It was approved on 21 May 1942. Brophy doesn't state when they went to front line service.

[Mike D]

That doesn't sound right to me. I think it was December before M1's showed up with the Army, because there weren't enough to go around yet, hence the OLDER 1903's. I haven't seen the show yet, but if that is true, than shame on HBO. IMO that is just as bad as carbines with bayonet lugs on Guadalcanal.

Wait, are those on there, too?

[RudyN]

I know someone who was on Guadacanal with the Marines and he told me that he had a 1903. I don't know about the 1903A3 and will try and ask him the next time I see him.

[Jim Tarleton]

Just finished watching the premier of HBO's "The Pacific". At the beginning of the battle for Guadalcanal, the vast majority of the Marines are shown carrying 03a3's. Would they have been in service this early in the War ? Our invasion of Guadalcanal I believe was in August of 42.

Scott

No A3's at Guadacanal.

Jim

[45B20]

This is going to be a bit of a nasty gram.

You boys and girls (and yes, that is intended as an insult) that look to the “entertainment” that is played on TV as factual history, need to get out more (and yes, that also is intended as an insult). If you are really interested in history,, try books FIRST, (and try more than one book on a subject) then use the Internet for supplemental information.

I only got two real insults in this,, I was trying for more.

You people who cite for your source the ’History Channel’ or similar “entertainment’ sources, really haven’t a clue. Would this count as a third? I do hope so.

“Oh I know all about the ‘Brownsville Incident’, I saw it on the ’History Channel”, I do hope all you yoyos voted for our President, you are just the type he needs. This has got to be a fourth.

For those of you that feel I am being arrogant and rude, Thank you, at least you comprehend enough to realize this is directed at you, and there may be help for you after all. Now really **** me off and go out and buy a book.

And NO, the USMC did not carry M1903A3s onto Guadalcanal. Maybe PBS’s producers think their watchers are more intelligent than they really are.

45B20

PS: I do watch and like the History, Discovery and other similar ENTERTAINMENT on TV, but I am intelligent enough to ignore the fluff.

[Jim Tarleton]

Yes, it is entertainment - so are books. Check out the history books in our public schools these days. The series appears to be based on the experiences of real Marines who fought the battles, such as Eugene Sledge from Mobile (he's real as can be). If so, depending on how accurately they are ABLE to reproduce the real thing, it may be quite accurate.

Jim

[Rick the Librarian]

It is interesting that the show uses M1903A3s -- I seem to remember that BoB was pretty accurate as to weaponry - M1A1 carbines, no bayonet lugs, etc. I did spot a later M1 Garand rear sight screw and gas caylinder lock screw, but I thought that was forgiveable.

I don't get TV cable and will have to wait until the series comes out on DVD.

P.S. The Army had M1s much earlier than December, 1942. The 164th Infantry Regiment arrived at Guadalcanal in October, equipped with M1s. The problem they had was that an unattended M1 had a tendency to "walk off"!

The marines were reequipped with M1s after leaving Guadalcanal at the end of 1942.

[RBruce]

I've got lots of history/reference books, four six foot book shelves full, and then some. Books can be just as bad as film documentaries. The book writers can include what they want, and exclude what they don't want. Books can be full of misinformation, intended and unintended. 45B20's intended insults are not constructive or informative.

[browningautorifle]

Not very good insults either.