"Thompson used by British airborne in 44?" Topic
10 Posts
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Gunfreak  | 06 May 2018 1:15 a.m. PST |
I know commandos still used it.
But did the paras take Thompsons with them to Arnheim? (In small numbers that is) |
| Vigilant | 06 May 2018 1:32 a.m. PST |
Never seen any pictures of British airborne with Thompson. I think they used Stens because of the lighter weight, and knowing how our supply system works because they were cheaper. |
LeonAdler  | 06 May 2018 2:19 a.m. PST |
Not part of the official issue equipment, maybe a few around as 'private purchase' weapons but like Vigilant never seen a period photo of one being used by Paras.
L |
| Londonplod | 06 May 2018 4:48 a.m. PST |
Only on a box of Airfix HO figures l think. |
| Gunfreak | 06 May 2018 5:27 a.m. PST |
I just noticed the artizan airborne figures also got a guy with a Thompson. |
| Bob the Temple Builder | 06 May 2018 7:52 a.m. PST |
My father was issued with a Thompson during the Battle of the Bulge (he was with 6th Airborne), but it was later replaced (much to his chagrin) by a Sten gun. |
zoneofcontrol  | 06 May 2018 10:14 a.m. PST |
Very well possible that some/a few carried them. I recall stories of Lord Lovat carrying his hunting rifle and "Mad Jack" Churchill going into battle with a bow and arrow and/or a sword. I think these are more isolated than commonplace. |
| Martin Rapier | 06 May 2018 10:49 a.m. PST |
Offically, no. Stens all the way. Find me a photo of a para with a tommy gun at Arnhem. Commandos were odd in that they rarely used Stens. |
| andysyk | 06 May 2018 3:36 p.m. PST |
2nd Parachute Brigade had Thompsons, its because they operated in the Italian Theatre where the Thompson remained in service generally and it was easier to issue .45 ammo through US channels than 9mm. Photos here link They also used M1A1 carbines. |
| Lion in the Stars | 06 May 2018 7:43 p.m. PST |
Commandos usually had US logistics backing them up, so .45 ammo was easy to get. |
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