Author Topic: A Commando's Favourite Weapon of WW2 (Read 700 times)

Gixer · « **on:** June 08, 2004, 06:55:54 PM »

Given the recent D-Day celebrations I took a moment to phone my Uncle in England who was a Royal Marine Commando during World War 2 and vetern of D-Day. When I was a kid I once asked him what his favourite weapon was during WW2.

His first choice was this.

And his 2nd favourite.

I also recently asked him if you could take one modern weapon from today for use back then what would it be. He simply answered "The Helicopter".

~~...-Gixer~~

hawker238 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:04:48 PM »

What can a helicopter do that a light observation aircraft (a la storch) can't?

Gixer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:10:15 PM »

Oh for those that might be interested in a little more information on the Royal Marines. There is an excellent book titled:

FROM OMAHA TO THE SCHELDT: The Story of 47 Royal Marine Commando

http://www.tuckwellpress.co.uk/bookpages/fromomaha.html

47 being my uncles Commando.

~~...-Gixer~~

XtrmeJ · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:12:03 PM »

Thompson is my fav machine gun of WWII hehe. Was an allied soldiers best friend. Same as the MP40 was the axis. Another cool looking gun.

The shovel was multipurpose. Digging of course, I've heard rare occasions they were used to heat up food on. And for a swift bash to the head if in close proximity to an unsuspecting axis soldier. Aye!

Gixer · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:12:21 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by hawker238
What can a helicopter do that a light observation aircraft (a la storch) can't?

You have to be kidding?

I dunno I can think of a hundered or so. How about hovering landing and insertion of commandos at almost any location? Unless you would prefer a glider?

~~...-Gixer~~

VOR · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:12:32 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by hawker238
What can a helicopter do that a light observation aircraft (a la storch) can't?

Short answer: alot. For example, insert troops by the squad/platoon and pick them up again. Granted, a fixed-wing bird can do this under certain conditions, but vertical takeoff/landing into confined spaces is something an airplane can't do. Also resupply and dustoff come to mind. Also, a helo can mask itself in terrain when available while keeping an eye on things. Tons more, but these come immediately to mind.

hawker238 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:15:13 PM »

I'm more concerned with the types of models they had then. Obviously, a Huey or something would be of a hell of a lot of use back then, but what could a Kolibri or something of the like do? Short loiter times, low speeds, vulnerable to ground fire. How many men could those choppers haul? Two?

VOR · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:17:57 PM »

Quote

also recently asked him if you could take one modern weapon from today for use back then what would it be. He simply answered "The Helicopter".

And Gixer..watched a show the other day about British Commandos WW2 era. The Tommy gun and spade both seem to fit the concept of getting close and nasty...ugly business.

~~to your granddad!~~

Pongo · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:18:14 PM »

"I also recently asked him if you could take one modern weapon from today for use back then what would it be. He simply answered "The Helicopter".
"
what part of the question didnt you understand. LOL
modern weapon from today

hawker238 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:20:55 PM »

Oh well, was just wondering. With a modern chopper comes a lot of technology, not sure if that was implied.

Gixer · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:22:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by VOR
And Gixer..watched a show the other day about British Commandos WW2 era. The Tommy gun and spade both seem to fit the concept of getting close and nasty...ugly business.

~~to your granddad!~~

Wrong on both accounts. I said my Uncle not my grandad. My grandad was in WW1.

Secondly if you read the book his name is Sgt Raymond Esther. If you like I can give you his phone number happy to chat with you.

~~...-Gixer~~

VOR · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:28:05 PM »

Doh..egg on my face. Read one thing and wrote another. What I really meant to say was... to your granddad and uncle!

Not sure I follow about the book part...which book?

edit: I missed your second post. Got caught up in talking helicopters.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2004, 10:05:03 PM »

Gixer
Sounds like a good read, thanks for the link.

~~to your uncle!~~

Pongo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2004, 12:01:06 AM »

Still dont understand what use a canteen is as a weapon.

Fishu · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2004, 03:52:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Pongo
Still dont understand what use a canteen is as a weapon.

Thats just an extra in the picture, ignore it!
Shovel.. now thats a weapon.