USMC BAR gunner from Guadalcanal to okinawa

[zam]

Hi all,

My impressions of a USMC Bar gunner 1942/45.


Guadalcanal 1942.



Tarawa 1943.



Okinawa 1945

[2nd Bat]

I love that the HBTs are tattered and worn. I also like the early BAR front handguard which remained commonplace with Marine unts which often got by with the initial issue gear and weapons. One exception to that would be the Tarawa camo which would have been fresh issue and while certainly worn and soiled not faded during that brief but bloody battle.

nittpicking of course as frankly your impressions are fabulous.

[zam]

Thanks 2nd bat, A poor chinese copy of the HBT camo, 2 washing and colors past ! I shall have to say "Cap Gloucester" or marine raider instead of "TARAWA".

Sorry for my mediocre English writing ! 

[stuka]

For your last 3 pictures, what is that leather pouch on the back of your belt?

[shiftysgarand]

Looks like a camera case to me.

[2nd Bat]

I think its a BAR cleaning kit. Nice touch!

[zam]

Thanks,

Yes ! it's the leather case of cleaning kit, normally inside one of the belt pocket .

[stuka]

is that one of the earlier belts for the BAR with the stock holder? Nice

[zam]

Yes ! I've got the same with plastic réplica of "Bowie" (Shoot and  scoot), Colt 45 (Bell)

[stuka]

Very nice!

[2nd Bat]

The Army used to teach (even when I was in the Army) a technique called "walking fire". Your unit got on line and You advanced with your weapon at hip level held even with the terrain and pointed in the direction of the enemy. Depending on your orders you fired a round each time or every other time your left foot hit the ground. The cup in the BAR belt was designed to hold the butt plate for the BAR facilitating this technique. given the weight and length of a loaded BAR this probably seemed quite handy at the time. The theory was good, the reality much different. I doubt many troops (other than in training ) ever executed the technique. No doubt the Infantry quickly shared that an extra pouch was more important than the cup. Hence the cup went away. As obsolete equipment these belts found their way to the Marines. One piece of field gear that was unique to the Marines was their field pack system which was designed by and for the Marines and consisted of the upper pack with an attachable lower pack, unique suspenders and set up to accomodate the camo bed roll. A poncho, shelterhalf and usually a wool blanket. These wrapped around the outside and were secured by straps. Much, much better than the hideous US Army Haversack. This design is nicely shown in Zams pictures. The design was so effective that the Army loosely copied it in the M1943 pack design although few made it into WW2 service.

[2nd Bat]

I see what appear to be three different BARs? One a traditional M1918A1, and earlier version with the older front handguard (larger and not as much cooling space between it and he barrel) and one missing the front muzzle brake and with a modified front handgrip. What are each of your BAR replicas?

[zam]

Sorry 2nd bat, I don't know if I understand your question !

It's a matrix Bar with different custom variants accessories (It is reversible).

It's Droopaille who make the earlier Handguard for me !

[2nd Bat]

You comprehended my question just fine. You created (or had created) variations for the same BAR. Very clever.