Zeroing the No4(T) and No32 MK3 /III for the first time Part 2

[CINDERS]

Good eyes Surpmil couple of Mills 36's.

[BazSmiles]

FWIW these are pre-theatre troops very much 'on display'. Once in theatre it's highly likely the regulation rig goes out the window and you either learn from those before you - or adapt pretty quickly to what works. Suspect your second chances to get things right were few and far between!
In one of the other images provided Pte Miller festoons a more likely ammunition rig, albeit his images are taken in a moody, staged setting.

[BazSmiles]

ps Have tracked other images of the same where their Royal Highnesses are speaking with Maj Gen Gale, he was Commander 6th AB.

[Surpmil]

A search for "Princess Elizabeth and 6th Airborne Division" brings up quite a few photos taken on this occasion. Brig. Gen. James Hill is just visible behind the then Queen.

What became of the canvas covered wheelbarrows in combat; did they prove effective or not? Solid tires?

Good shooting BTW; freehand or off a rest?

[BazSmiles]

Thank you. Shooting off a bag rest for the zero.
Not seen the canvassed covered wheel-barrows but had to laugh at the solid tyres implication; assuming, like me, that you are forever dealing with flat ones on your own wheelbarrow (until I switched to solid...)!

[Gil Boyd]

From information we hold at the Airborne Forces Museum this was a photo taken on the 19th May 1944 of Snipers of the 6th Airborne Division at Bulford Camp on a Royal Visit.

The photo of Captain Malindine wass one unconneccted as he waas a member of the Army Film & Photographic Unit.
Hope that helps.

[CINDERS]

canvass covered wheel barrows

Apart from the obvious carrying kit etc could they have doubled up as moving a incapacitated or wounded soldier by 1 person instead of two, that sorta reminds me of the old canvas seats we had at the out door theatre near my home when we went to watch movies (As a treat).

[GeeRam]

From information we hold at the Airborne Forces Museum this was a photo taken on the 19th May 1944 of Snipers of the 6th Airborne Division at Bulford Camp on a Royal Visit.

Gil,

Any info on how the Para snipers dropped with their kit. I assume rifle went in the leg bag, and somewhere on their person in their jump rig they stashed the scope/bracket in its case (in either version). Just wondering where/how they stashed the scope can on them when jumping?
I guess the air-landing snipers had a slightly easier job in that regard going in a glider if crashing in a Horsa could be considered an easy option...!!

[Surpmil]

Thank you. Shooting off a bag rest for the zero.
Not seen the canvassed covered wheel-barrows but had to laugh at the solid tyres implication; assuming, like me, that you are forever dealing with flat ones on your own wheelbarrow (until I switched to solid...)!

Oh yes! "Binned them and done that", as one might say.

Apart from the obvious carrying kit etc could they have doubled up as moving a incapacitated or wounded soldier by 1 person instead of two, that sorta reminds me of the old canvas seats we had at the out door theatre near my home when we went to watch movies (As a treat).

Exactly what I was thinking as I looked at that photo, though the problem is the casualty would either have to sit cross-legged or have his feet drag on the ground. Had the wheels been a little larger, and the handles extendable fore and aft, the occupant could have perhaps hung his legs over the aft pair, or a canvass sling to go between the handles could have been provided. Would also have allowed one/two to pull while one/two pushed or lifted as required.

And depending on the terrain to be crossed, one man rather than two evacuating a non-ambulatory casualty can't be a bad thing.

[Gil Boyd]

Paratroopers jumped with their sniper rifle securely held within what was called a 'Valaise'. This was an internally quilted course external covering which allowed the rifle to be lowered on a 15 foot strop once their parachute had opened, so they were left unimpeded to roll on hitting the deck.
Many left the scopes mounted, but a few carried them in the tins in their bags.
I have to say, disconnecting and connecting the scope each time in the years when I held a 4T of my own, it was never the same shot when fitted back onto the rifle. Personal choice and left very much to the trained sniper.