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  1. #1
    Deceased June 9th,2020 Mikey 52's Avatar
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    503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

    Under Col Ken Kinsler. Arrived Oz Dec 42. Based in Gordonvale northern Queensland. Trained
    there and were among the leading players in the liberation of Nadzab, New Guinea from the Japs. My question. Has anyone any evidence that these guys had any M1A1icon's issued to them at that time? I think they may have but proof is hard to find. This was well before D Day in Europe.
    Cheers all. Mikey. N.Z.
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    Contributing Member Gil Boyd's Avatar
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    Mikey,
    You have probably seen this but might be helpful albeit a little later:

    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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    Legacy Member Sunray's Avatar
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    Not likely. Inland get get started on making 'em until November of 1942.
    The U.S. Caliber .30 Carbines, Model M1A1
    Spelling and Grammar count!

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    Legacy Member Bruce McAskill's Avatar
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    Mikey 52, Of all the photos I have looked at on this battle I have seen a few carbines but no M1A1icon's with the 503rd. By the end of December 1942 Inland had made just 4,300 or so M1A1 carbines. I don't know if any could have gotten there in time for the battle. I know some have said the M1A1 didn't see action till Sicily with the Para's.

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  9. #5
    firstflabn
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    CCNL 341 includes a priority list sent to the Chief of Ordnance for issuance of M1A1icon Carbines.

    The list is dated 12 Nov 42. 3/503 is second on the list.

    Even with Pacific shipping being a huge challenge during this early war period, 10 months seems like plenty of time to get them there in time for the Nadzab operation (assuming the CoO accepted the recommendation).

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    503d PIR arrived Dec 1942............. Trained for 9 months. Jumped on Nadzab/Markum Valley Sep 5th 1943.
    Returned to Brisbane, Australiaicon Feb 2 1944.
    Oct 44 Col Kinsler committed suicide, reason unknown.

    First Pacific jump.
    This was the first entire regiment to jump.
    A test case to see if 'Vertical Insertion' could work out after the 2 bad cases in the African/? jumps went wrong.
    Literally under the Circling Overhead watchful eyes of Gen Mac. and the rest of the Brass Hats.
    I'd believe if they were requested, there were some M1A1icon available.
    Plenty of B17, B25's....etc to get them there.

    Mike,
    Try these links for any possible leads while they were training in OZ.
    Might be some personal accounts....

    Search Results | National Library of Australia

    See page 94:
    Blossoming Silk Against the Rising Sun: U.S. and Japanese Paratroopers at ... - Gene Eric Salecker - Google Books
    Last edited by painter777; 05-18-2019 at 10:37 PM.
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    Some background on the 503rd PIR:

    First Combat Jump for Pacific Paratroopers

    At about 1:16-1:20 you can catch a look at the top of a Carbine Hand Guard being held by the trooper on the left...... behind the Left front guy. Look below front guys arm when raised.

    Last edited by painter777; 05-18-2019 at 09:43 PM. Reason: Add Video link
    Charlie-Painter777

    A Country Has No Greater Responsibility Than To Care For Those Who Served...

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    Deceased June 9th,2020 Mikey 52's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    HD Stock Video Footage - U.S. Paratroopers are briefed with sand table in Nadzab, New Guinea.

    Greetings Charlie, long time no speak! I had some luck last night. Check the above link. Plenty of M1A1icon's in it but you have to look carefully. If you search Nadzab on the same site you can find a few more. Thanks for all the clues folks. Mike.

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    Mike,
    Even though this reads it's in Nadzab New Guinea in 1943, I believe this is the 503 loading up being driven to the take off while still there in New Zealandicon.
    Any way if you look thru the pictures a frame at a time you'll see many M1a1's....

    So whats up ?
    Have you run across something interesting in your area ?


    Link to the film and 262 still pictures:
    HD Stock Video Footage - U.S. Paratroopers are briefed with sand table in Nadzab, New Guinea.

    Little more footage here. Tells how the Aussies got 'Invited' to come along and jump. Some I read had as little as 1 day of practice..... Some had no practice jumps !

    Some Sound and link to 199 stills:
    HD Stock Video Footage - Allied paratroopers jump in Markham Valley, New Guinea.
    Last edited by painter777; 06-11-2019 at 09:10 PM.
    Charlie-Painter777

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    Charlie,
    Tell me about the magazines being loaded at about 0:24 sec in the first video. - Bob

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