Platoon Establishment - Weapons & Ammunition - '44

[Guv]

I have had some of the gang enquire about the correct & REALISTIC combat load for Brit Infantry, as there are many different accounts in publications currently available on the market.

The following is an 'actual' and not theoretic weapons and ammo load from the memoirs of a WW2 Veteran.

It is based on a 'combat' load carried by an Infantry platoon of the 3rd Division after the battles for Caen.

Perhaps we could adopt it for use ourselves as it appears to me to be the most probable and complete?

Platoon H.Q.=
2Lt (Platoon Officer) -
Revolver & 18 rounds (6 in weapon & 12 in ammo pouch)
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)

Sgt (Platoon #2 I.C.) -
Rifle No.4 & 110 rounds (10 in weapon & 2 x 50 rd bandoleers)
2 x 2" Mortar rounds (either W.P., Smoke or H.E.)

Rifleman # 1 (Runner/Orderly)-
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)

Rifleman # 2 (Mortar operator)-
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)
2" Mortar, 2 x 2" Mortar rounds

Rifleman # 3 (Mortar loader)-
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)
8 x 2" Mortar rounds

Rifleman # 4 (P.I.A.T operator)-
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)
P.I.A.T.

Rifleman # 5 (P.I.A.T. loader)-
Rifle No.4 & 60 rounds (10 in weapon & 50 in bandoleer)
6 x P.I.A.T. rounds

Infantry sections (x3)=
Corporal (Section commander)-
Sten Machine carbine & 320 rounds (160 in 5 magazines & 160 rounds boxed) + 2 mills bombs

Lance Corporal (Gun group commander)-
Rifle No.4 & 110 rounds (10 in weapon & 2 x 50 rd bandoleers) + 8 x 32 round Bren gun magazines

Private (Bren gunner)-
Bren gun & 4 x 32 round Bren gun magazines

Private (Bren loader)-
Rifle No.4 & 110 rounds (10 in weapon & 2 x 50 rd bandoleers) + 8 x 32 round Bren gun magazines

Private x 6 (Rifleman)-
Rifle No.4 & 110 rounds (10 in weapon & 2 x 50 rd bandoleers) + 2 x 32 round Bren gun magazines + 1 mills bomb

This does not include specific tools, webbing and equipment - I will include them at a later date.

It was not uncommon for up to two riflemen to be equipped with Sten machine carbines instead of rifles for use in street and house fighting.

Have fun............

[Tiny]

Thanks for putting this list up, when we attend a big show with traders I'm planning to complete my load out with all the correct ammo etc

[Ian]

This list is just the info you need, does the group have a PIAT and a 2" Mortar, the amount rifle, mortar, Piat rounds would make for a very outstanding display, and who carries the 2" Mortar.

[OLL]

Wow, what an arsenal!! I'm only 7 fully loaded bren mags down at present then!! Now where is the nearest cashpoint???

[Guv]

I will bring all my Bren mags to HB3 for the Bren boys. Chris has a replca 2" mortar, we do not have however a carrying sling or any 2" rounds.

Well volunteered Ian - you are now our very own 2" mortar gunner in HQ section!! Mmwuhahahaaa

[Tiny]

If you have a look on the web, the site is called the Gunner, he sell all the 2" Mortar accessories you could ever want and there not too expensive either

[Guv]

Perhaps a group purchase out of unit funds at a later date ?

[Tiny]

Not a bad idea mate, all the stuff quiet cheap, I think the most expensive item is around the £20 mark

[Guv]

Perhaps a good idea at HB3 would be to make a 'shopping list' both for individuals and the Society.

[Tiny]

Good idea mate, I know there's still a load of kit I need to pick up

[Max]

Before Olly says it, sorry mate group funds won't stretch to a 25pdr!

[Tiny]

What about a Bren carrier?

[Gordon]

I'm sure we can manage that one

Or am i just being hopeful again?

[OLL]

I think we should ask Whizz to go on the game to pay for that 25pdr!!

[Gordon]

heh, never give, never surrender!