User Submission: "Equipment carried by a parachutist radio operator", ca.1940's

[Roadkingtrax]

Not much of an equipment guy, but others may have comments.

http://i6.minus.com/ibhZ7eGwnfn74a.jpg

Information

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Early 1905 bayonet.

[Mark in Rochester]

1st pattern Griswold bag

Unique cartridge belt

[RT Ellis]

Appears that there is extra equipment in this display and articles not shown. The machete suggests a PTO soldier. Apparently his plan was to carry rifle ammunition in the bandoleers as there is no provision for carring rifle ammunition otherwise. The bayonet is interesting as there is no scabbard displayed. The flare bags/carriers displayed at left appear to have been adapted from some other purpose. The non-standard (battery?) pockets attached to the pistol belt appear the be the much sought by collectors parachute rigger made items. The spoon was the single standard item of allowence to assault troops in the North Arfrica, Normandy, and probably other operations. The field rations displayed were probably carried in the uniform pockets or the field bag, neither of which is displayed. Considering the soldier has given up his mess knife and spoon to save weight, the trench knife M1917 was an additional weight that probably never served any purpose except as a substitute mess knife

[Paul S.]

I believe those "non-standard(battery?) pockets" are actually enbloc pouches with each pocket holding a single enbloc clip with the cartridges pointed down. Mind you, I could be wrong.

[emmagee1917]

That's what they are . Five rigger made pouches each holding 5 enblocs....200 rds in the " space" of 80. The flares are in USGI Thompson mag bags . The " lift the dot" snap ID it as the other spare ammo bag had a strap and buckle .
I do not see a grenade launcher in the pile , and the stem showing on the one flare looks a bit slim to be rifle launched . Any ideas on this ?
Chris