Geweher 7.7 281(e)

[Roger Payne]

And of course, the camera man is positioned almost in front of the muzzles of the guns....

[mrclark303]

On a related thread, I seem to recall reading that captured .303 Bren guns were used by the Germans in POW camps.

It would make sense to use captured SMLE's for similar duties, i.e much carried but very rarely used.

The only British service firearm I've seen being used more widely in various old clips is MK2/3 Sten guns. Obviously ammunition being no issue, it makes sense to issue these for rear echelon units etc.

[lithgow1918]

Saw a photo that reminded me of this thread and figured I'd share. It's this second slide of the second most recent post on this profile. Normally I would link the photo, but because it is of the poster's relative, and I don't have his permission this is the most I feel comfortable doing. It shows German soldiers marching with smles in drill uniform. So I guess they definitely used them for drill.

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[browningautorifle]

Well the photo is safe, I can't get at it.

[lithgow1918]

If you want I could email it to you, I just don't feel comfortable posting it until I get word back from the page owner.

[lithgow1918]

Just got permission from the poster, here is the photo in question.
German shoulders marching with smles - Album on Imgur

[browningautorifle]

I thought that was a work uniform? Looks more to me like they're moving into a field position, the letter even suggests they're in combat. I know we saw footage of the very end where Volkssturm was moving off in basic civilian hunting garb and carrying captured weapons exclusively.

[lithgow1918]

I have always seen them refered to as drill uniforms, although I am no expert. He also had a picture of his great uncle in combat his uniform in the same post.
German soldiers - Album on Imgur
I also noticed that in the photo where they have smles they aren't carrying ammunition or anything else to suggest they are actively engaged in anything aside from drill, although that's just my 2¢. Mostly just wanted to share the photo as it's the only one I'm aware of.

[browningautorifle]

Agreed, no ammo pouches even...maybe field training to account for plainly dirty knees and such? Also this must be an earlier picture as the uniform was changed in color soon after war's start to a darker shade and these were used up. They would be issued on a need basis and then returned after weather no longer demanded. The "Drill" suggestion is translation, these are actually an HBT (Herring bone twill)type of material such as the Marine uniforms were for so long. It's well worth reading up on the use of this uniform...and prices of existing examples of remaining pieces.

[Surpmil]

Just got permission from the poster, here is the photo in question.
German shoulders marching with smles - Album on Imgur

Hitler Youth in training? They're singing, but from the state of their fatigues, they are probably fatigued!

"Tomorrow Belongs to Us"?

Next week someone else!