UK Equipment in the East in WW2

[@Jerry10939]

I like that they didn't overload the troops with unnecessary gear. Being former Infantry myself. I can appreciate that. Todays soldiers carry way too much equipment.

[@Smokeyr67]

Probably carry more weight in batteries than ammo 😀

[@rossdalziel6615]

@@Smokeyr67 my grandad always said that when he saw pics of me in Afghanistan.lol how can u move fast with all that kit on lol

[@allandavis8201]

@ Jerry Gautier, could you say what some of the things were a burden rather than a blessing, I wasn’t infantry but did deploy on many occasions, however, I was out in the field but in an engineering capacity for the helicopter force, obviously we were the last line of defence if our FOB was attacked so we didn’t carry everything but the kitchen sink like the boots do, we carried more kit relevant to our task and if we had a site move all our kit went with the helicopters and left us with just our LFO, we weren’t loaded down with ammo or batteries etc, so I would appreciate the heads up on what you would have got rid off. Thanks 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇦

[@thizzingallnight966]

Not Really…

[@musictraining5071]

@@thizzingallnight966 why not?

[@neilwork5033]

Nice clear presentation. Dad said they had "monsoon capes", rather than ponchos, which he thought were pretty good. However the favourite item was the felt hat. He still wore his in the 1950's.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

The rubberised capes served as ground-sheets to, as well as rain-collectors for fresh water.

[@MicMc539]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray Thanks for tip. It's old blokes like you that inspire us young fella's!

[@wor53lg50]

Apparently they was issued with galoshes aswell which they folded over like jimmi cricket, but these fell to pieces within days....

[@danschneider9921]

related but unrelated- growing up my grandparents had a neighbor who was a regular in the Britsih Army in WW2-Korea and emigrated to the states. In the early 90s when I really began to get into WW2 history and start talking to veterans, I asked him about the Sten gun. I said that it had a reputation for being "unreliable" and "dangerous" to the operator- re replied that it only was those things "if you were a complete idiot or a Welshman"...… love the humor

[@stillettoRebel]

As a Welshman who has fired one (on a range), I concur with your neighbour's assessment.

[@chowderpilot3843]

Good presentation and informative - the Aussies also used the Aussie-made and designed Owen SMG in the Far East - which was considered by many to be the best (and possibly the ugliest) SMG of WW2 due to its simplicity, ruggedness, reliability and ease of cleaning.

[@cameronevans4635]

Very few Australians were in the Far East, namely RAAF units based out of India. I believe that all Owen SMGs would have been diverted to New Guinea and forward to the Solomon Islands and Dutch East Indies Campaigns would have seen most use of the Owen in Australia's service in the SWPA.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Why the anonymous name? Are you embarrassed to be an adult?

[@cameronevans4635]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray what?

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@cameronevans4635 Are you so thick as to not recognise that "Chowder Pilot" is a cowardly fake name? You use an adult name, but fail to recognise criticism of cowards! That is an indictment on YOUR judgment.

[@MicMc539]

@@cameronevans4635 KfG is in his 70's and a bit 'gun-shy' these days, if you know what I mean?

[@maryseddon4782]

Thank you, this is very educational. My Dad, Peter Seddon M.M., was a soldier in the 14th Army in WW2.

[@badwolf7367]

The 1928 Thompson has a much higher rate of fire than 400 rounds per minute. The 1928 had a rate of fire between 700 to 800 rpm. The rate of fire was deemed too high by US military which is why they modified it for the M1A1 to make it 600 to 700 rpm. I know of no models of the Thompson that has a 400 rpm rate of fire. I think he has confused the M3 Grease Gun and the Thompson SMG. The M3 did have a rate of fire between 400 to 450 rpm.

[@bman2617]

I'm almost wondering if his numbers got mixed up with the grease gun.

[@jimzivny1554]

I don't remember the numbers but the drum fed Thompson had a different rate of fire than from stick mags, he may be quoting the wrong specs. My dad was a Marine in the Pacific in WWII and told me they took away drums for a number of reasons. One of was the sticks could be reloaded quickly and reused if necessary, the drums were problematic.

[@itsconnorstime]

@@jimzivny1554 the British sent several of the drums back, I haven’t seen any pictures of Thompson’s equipped with them past the North African campaign.

[@olivier3847]

@@itsconnorstime italy?

[@beryanbeyaan8047]

Theres a book, a hidden gem called "Quartered Safe Out There" by George Mac Donald Fraser.It gives the perspective of the humble infantryman of the 14th Army as he saw he war in Burma.The dress and equipment carried by the soldier is gloriously described in the initial few pages. Just an aside, the pattern 1937 webbing was used by the Indian Army till the mid 1990's. After that it was gradually phased out.

[@neilwork5033]

So true. I read it 20 years ago & can still remember that detailed introduction - "water chaggle", "log line", etc.. He didnt think much of the Thompson. Brilliant description of Battle of Meiktila.

[@warwickmudge4114]

There's another book getting around, I think it's 'Wings over Burma' author? Which I think gives a good account of chindits. Wingate makes a good study of the classic eccentric Brit leader!

[@neilwork5033]

@@warwickmudge4114 author was Kenneth Hemingway.

[@chiron6699]

Recommend George frazers...quartered safe out here. He describes combat in burma and how lightweight their kit was

[@keithskelhorne3993]

We (the Brits) still used 37 pattern webbing up until 1975 in some training Battalions, and we had to fekking blanco the belts!

[@conradswadling8495]

1979, still there.....

[@bungarraoz254]

When the Australian army reintroduced the converted to 7.62 Nato round Bren, in 1974, they also reintroduced those Bren magazine pouches you are wearing, I personally liked those pouches. They would also carry 3 S.L.R magazines in each one.

[@davidalexander8649]

You are talking 58 pattern webbing Sir, he is wearing 34 pattern.

[@bungarraoz254]

@@davidalexander8649 Thanks for the heads up

[@s_vb2220]

the Belgians used the bren mag pouches of the P37 kit for their FAL magazines too!

[@captainscarlett1]

As a former infantryman I disagree with your take on camouflage. I've spent time in the tropical jungle and your intuition is wrong. Green clothes appear black with the sweat and shade at a distance and the black shape stands out. Lighter colors tend to appear more mottled. Up close, it doesn't matter what you're wearing, they can see you.

[@lastspud7030]

Great presentation.. but a little confused as to why it was on the Thetford Council site... 😆

[@MajorT0m]

Those Town Council Mavericks.

[@joeg46Highlands]

We still have my father's kukri. He spoke of using a Sten, rather than the Thompson. He was in the Royal West African Frontier Force - a white NCO with soldiers from Nigeria, Gold Coast and Sierra Leone. This was NOT the white army that the newsreels and movies showed. The XIVth Army had West African, East African, Indian And Gurkha soldiers, with the white British in a definite minority.

[@jona.scholt4362]

My Grandfather served as surgeon in the US Army in Burma in 1944-45, and though I haven't done any extensive research into who is served with I would assume he probably met many British and Colonial soldiers with kit similar to what has been shown. I'm always interested when I see anything pop up on KZbin related to the war in the Burma-Indian Ocean theatre since it is rarely covered. My other grandfather was in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific, so the Pacific War in general has always interested me more than the European War. The jungles of the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia were about as treacherous as terrain can get.

[@chrisholland7367]

Unfortunately that's true. The Pacific campaign is widely covered not an awful lot of history is given over to the far east campaign. It's largely known as the "forgotten war " by the British and Australian troops that fought in Burma and Mayalisa both extremely brutal campaigns.The U.S. and Chinese were led by Joe Stillwell .

[@davidpage4005]

My dad ended up as a senior NCO in Burma, was involved in the siege of Imphal and also at Kohima. He very rarely spoke of his time there. Previously he was with the BEF in France, and got out across the beach at Dunkirk.

[@chrisholland7367]

@@davidpage4005 That's an incredible military career. He was an extremely lucky man.

[@PrimarchX]

The main issue I've had with the No. 5 Carbine is that the rubber butt pad is actually about as hard as a metal butt plate and presents a smaller surface area to shoulder, leading to higher perceived recoil as energy is concentrated in a smaller area!

[@jayostrem6214]

Those rubber butt plates became very hard over a short period of time.

[@keithwilliams9177]

I have one, manufactured in January 1945, and the rubber is still surprisingly soft.

[@xubious]

Never realized how big some bayonets are until you swapped those out 6:15

[@psp1921tsmg]

Thompson is an Open bolt gun lock look then load. 1928 cycle rate 800 or so

[@ppspsd]

Outstanding! Huge fan of British kit new and old!!! Thank You for post!!

[@colvinator1611]

Thanks for the video. Good clear descriptions.

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Great presentation, very informative.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Excellent video! A wonderful assortment of kit...I also liked the Sten, the American mussette bag & the American paratrooper carbine...I like the covering over the mule's eyes, probably designed to keep flys away...the '44 kit & the clothing reminds me of the kit used by the Aussies in 'Nam...they used a "giggle" hat, jungle boots & the Owen...the American LRRPs used the Sten with a suppressor...you can see the use of mules in the film "Merrill's Marauders"...I believe examples of the kit discussed here can be seen in the film "Bridge over the river Kwai"...perhaps that videos can be made on related matters & the kit not discussed...as this is TTC, where was this recorded? Good job, thanks!

[@isbee56]

Australians never issued" jungle" boots, when they are seen they were mainly personally acquired by individuals or at most a unit level issue. The '44 pattern really shouldn't be in this video as it never saw use in WW2, mainly post war in Korea, Borneo, Malaysia and in the Suez crisis by the paras.

[@edgaraquino2324]

@@isbee56 Good to know...thanks!

[@user-gm5bv2ez2r]

Excellent presentation ! ! !

[@lgrant6007]

we had a old boy who used to come to our garage who sadly is now in a home with dementia. He used to use a owen gun in the war, very rare Australian submachine gun that he picked up off a dead squaddie. Kept it over his No4 Enfield.

[@martiniv8924]

My father would have chuckled at the reference to the Khaki desert kit, he landed in North Africa in 39’ with a heavy battle dress , it took a while before they got issued with suitable gear (just as in the Far East). On the jungle equipment,the Machete I see you have , they were mainly manufactured by Ralph Martindale @ the Crocodile works Birmingham I have an original one that was WD issue, the company still manufacturers today

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thanks great presentation. Some kit was used during the malayan emergency.

[@calicojack7029]

Excellent video, thank you

[@chrisbrent7487]

The Vickers on your mule is an Australian one. It is easily identifiable buy its non fluted water jacket. The bigger issue with the No. 5 is the concussion from the blast. Man they are loud.

[@Russianpaintrain]

Well done , nice to see this kind of effort , and I learned something about the Indian supplied equipment.

[@althesmith]

You can see why the Aussies loved the Owen, lighter than the Thompson and practically unjammable.

[@seventhson27]

The Rifle Mark 5 also had a problem that it had a "wandering zero." The bullet impact would change relative to the sights. They did not figure out what caused the problem until after the war. A part of the receiver was warping as a result of making the receiver lighter to preserve weight.

[@isbee56]

The rifle No.5 was barely used in WW2, most of its service life was spent in Vietnam and Malaya immediately post war. Even then not completely replacing the No4 mk1 as a theatre issue rifle of jungle fighting units.

[@MicMc539]

@@isbee56 No.5 in Vietnam ''post war''? Might have to call Bullshit on that one. Peace.

[@isbee56]

@@MicMc539 post ww2, during the British occupation of Vietnam and fighting against the Viet minh before it was turned over to the French, who at the time hadn't had enough soldiers to retake French indochina? Ring any bells?

[@MicMc539]

@@isbee56 I stand corrected and defer to your correct opinion. Peace.

[@isbee56]

@@MicMc539 don't worry bro, its very much a forgotten conflict, I've only known about for a few months. I believe Mark Felton has a very good video on it

[@robertwoolstencroft5946]

Webbing when I was issued the same type of webbing in the early 1970s they told me it was 38 pattern webbing,I was in RCT. First line infantry would be issued with 58 pattern webbing.

[@DaleStreble]

Been lookin for information on this for a while. Thank you! Very much appreciated!

[@mmmh12412]

Q1P1

[@alanmacpherson3225]

I still can't believe UK and Commonwealth soldiers only carried one water bottle in those days when you consider now they may have 3 or 4 plus a Camelback.

[@alanmacpherson3225]

@OrcsMustDie But not every campaign used mules.

[@neilwork5033]

In "Quartered Safe Out There " (epic autobiography ) the author mentions that they had large canvas bags , a 'water chaggle' with which to carry heavily chlorinated water. Being canvas the fabric became sort of waterproof as it got soaked , then the evaporation cooled the contents somewhat.

[@darioscomicschule1111]

Thank you for this One.

[@militarymad2840]

What a great video and very interesting presenter full of knowledge.

[@user-gs6xo8hs8m]

Any chance of another look at the mess kit that you’re carrying on your webbing? The vickers heavy machine gun, I think you’ll find was retired in 1968.

[@mikeearl4263]

I lived in Thetford from 08-11 when stationed at Lakenheath. It was a good time with fabulous memories. Thank you for this very informative video.

[@ronhall9394]

I was in the Territorials for twenty years and I've got quite a few Ranges on my 'portfolio' and I've always had a soft spot for Thetford. A couple of reasons, nice soft soil for digging in and the main one - flat as a pancake, no flaming hills to toil up (and down - and up again). As Artillery OP's it did provide us with some special challenges, some joker higher up in the food chain decided to send us to set up an OP at Frog Hill, I'm not sure if it was an Old Hand who knew the area and thought it might be a giggle or some newbie who saw 'hill' in the title and decided that's where OP's should be. Despite some very good maps (it was pre GPS), an actual trig point and a convergence of tracks right next to it, it took us some time to persuade ourselves we were in the right location, being used to some distinct crowding of contours at places like Redesdale, Sennybridge, Okehampton and to a lesser extent Salisbury, we did struggle with the concept of Frog Hill as an elevated feature. Thinking back, it wasn't a very good artillery range, that's probably why I liked it.

[@puma1304]

right now I am wearing a RCAF which was "turned green"... perhaps a Hong Kong campaign issue?

[@deancorfield8324]

Very interesting thank you with lots of information. I have been researching my great uncle was was Royal engineer sapper and a Chindit special forces. He fought in no2 section 142 commando in the first Chindits campaign, and RE 89th special mixed company with Calverts 77th in the second campaign. Unfortunately he died of wounds just a couple of weeks from the end of the second campaign in June 1944, and is buried in India. Many brave men fought in the Jungle in terrible conditions and yet very little is ever mentioned about the forgotten war in the far east.

[@vampsith]

To be fair, no one was ready for jungle warfare

[@stephenchappell7512]

The Japanese though their occupation of French Indo-China were well prepped from the start

[@RythymBeast]

Great video.

[@aaronwilkinson8963]

What a great and informative video

[@Giavani-wq7gb]

I have loved aspects of practical things since a kid, so the details featured here are in a word, cool.

[@jayostrem6214]

Excellent

[@brianvannorman1465]

Only slightly disjointed. Keep at it. You're doing great. Informative.

[@kurtbaier6122]

Great video thanks, from the USA.

[@mcRydes]

great kit, looks comfortable

[@trickydicky2908]

Very nice video. Especially since this isn't a dedicated military channel.

[@dingram1066]

Great video and great kit Where did you get your Khukuri?

[@davidalexander8649]

Aertex was not even thought of in 44! 34 pattern webbing was used (44 pattern webbing for jungle use) was not issued until the Malaya campaign. Bandoliers for a 45 Thompson? Sorry, comes in boxes. Sorry this is no expert channel methinks.

[@atharvatoskar1633]

nice information!

[@chrisholland7367]

Mark 5 Lee Enfield, was it used in the Maylayan Emergency after the war by British and commwealth forces. Great presentation 👍

[@seamac7966]

It was designed near the end of the war as a paratrooper rifle hence the rubber butt pad, prevented damage to aluminum aircraft floors. It was issued to airborne troops in Europe at the end of the war.

[@ianmangham4570]

I love the Thompson, a good old 45 is a real chest thumper.

[@murrayeldred3563]

Informative especially regarding Miss Urine Mandalay.

[@davidpage4005]

That '44 pattern webbing looks very similar to the '57 pattern that I first had. Then later I was issued with some '37 pattern when I joined the TA in the later 60's., and yes, it was crap !

[@MrPh30]

Have a look at British MuzzleLoaders channel also. Good episode this one.

[@alecblunden8615]

14th Field Army of under William Slim was the largest in British history. It fought the Japanese from 1943-1945, amounting to 13 divisions and won major victories at Kohima and Imphal that barred the road to India. They were supported by air and naval forces, and by substantial Commonwealth and Partisan groups. Naval units were discouraged by the infamous Admiral King, but the armoured carriers of the Pacific Fleet were an essential first line of defence betwéen the USN and the Japanese mainland, as well, raids on the East Indies oil fields were invaluable contributions to victory in the East. There was even a plan for the US A bombs to be delivered by RAF Lancaster's because the B29 did not have a big enough bomb bay - solved in the nick of time by modifications. Don't be surprised by your lack of knowledge. In Britain, 14 th Field Army is always known as the "Forgotten Army".

[@nickdanger3802]

"the Pacific Fleet were an essential first line of defence betwéen the USN and the Japanese mainland" From March 1945. Where did the BPF's carrier aircraft come from? The Lancaster and Atomic Bombs, My Response to Mark Felton kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXylXqKnmdSXq9k

[@nickdanger3802]

Where did Slims' armor and aircraft come from ? Aircrew ? Where did the BPF's (actually a task force) aircraft and escort carriers come from ? How many oil tankers did Japan have at the time of the raid on oil production ? Lanc's did not have a large enough bomb bay for the Fat Man bomb and had neither the range nor max alt to deliver the bombs unless it was a one-way trip.

[@alecblunden8615]

@@nickdanger3802 you can look all this up on the internet, assuming you can read. What you may not like to hear is the fact that the US provoked the Pacific War by its oil embargo which left the Japanese no reasonable choice but to attack. I am sure Britain would have been far happier with no Pacific War to allow it to fight the real enemy in Europe where they bore the brunt of the fighting and rectifying the mistakes of the blundering Americans.

[@nickdanger3802]

@@alecblunden8615 If FDR had not propped up Britain from 1939, hitler would not have declared war on the USA. How does that work out for Britain ? Flying Tigers got to China through India and Burma fuk wit. OIL EXPORTS TO JAPAN. HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1025-91025 §7. Mr. Mander asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any knowledge of the position with regard to the arrangements for the supply to Japan during the next six months, of oil by Dutch, British and American Oil Companies in the Netherlands East Indies; whether these were made with the knowledge and approval of the British Government; and whether the embargo imposed at Hong Kong against supplies of all kinds to China has now been lifted? §8. Mr. Wedgwood asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the large contracts of sale of oil from Dutch East Indies to Japan in which both British and American firms are concerned? §10. Sir Robert Gower asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the sale by the combined oil companies of oil to Japan? §11. Mr. R. Morgan asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any understanding between Great Britain and the Dutch Government for the disposal of the raw products of the Dutch East Indies, and particularly as to the sale of oil? §Mr. Butler I am aware that in connection with the visit of a Japanese Trade Delegation to Batavia discussions are taking place in regard to oil supplies from the Netherlands East Indies. According to my Noble Friend's information, no agreement has yet been reached and the negotiations are continuing. His Majesty's Government and the United States Government will continue to be kept informed of their general progress. Hon. Members will realise that the decision about the general character of any arrangements for the future rests with the Netherlands East Indies Government. There is no general embargo on supplies from Hong Kong to China. Restrictions imposed from time to time in the past two years on certain specified materials in the interests of the Colony have not been withdrawn. §Mr. Mander In view of the fact that the Dutch Government is one of our Allies in this war and that Japan has joined our enemies, can we have an assurance that the British Government will use all the influence in their power to prevent this deal going through and further supplies of a warlike nature going to Japan? §Mr. Butler I realise the importance of the point which the hon. Member has raised, but I must refer him to my 1027answer, in which I said that any decision about the general character of the arrangement must rest with the Netherlands East Indies Government. But I can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government and the United States Government are being kept fully informed and appreciate the importance of the transactions in progress. §Mr. Wedgwood Is that answer the best the right hon. Gentleman can do? Does he wish the world to understand that the last word in this matter comes from the Dutch Government? Does he not realise that the British and American Governments together have a veto at present on anything that the Dutch Government might wish to do in connection with supplies to Japan? §Mr. Butler The Netherlands East Indies Government have sovereignty over the East Indies. §Sir Joseph Lamb Will some representations be made by our Government to the Dutch Government on this point? §Mr. Butler I can assure the House that there is complete contact between the Governments concerned and that they are keeping each other informed of the progress of the negotiations. §Mr. Gallacher Have not the Government in this country a controlling say in the Royal Dutch Oil Company? §Mr. Mander I beg to give notice that owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall call attention to this matter again at the earliest opportunity. §9. Mr. Noel-Baker asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Chungking has sent reports concerning the indiscriminate bombing of the civilian population in Chungking, Kunming and elsewhere in China; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to permit British companies to sell oil to Japan for the conduct of the war? §Mr. Butler My Noble Friend is at present awaiting a report on civilian air-raid casualties in China. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given on the present aspect of this question. 1028 §Mr. Noel-Baker In view of Mr. Matsuoka's recent declaration that if Germany and Italy were in danger of being beaten, it would be necessary for Japan to help them, should not the Government now decide that the British-controlled companies should not sell oil to Japan, thereby avoiding our experience with Italy? §Mr. Butler The matter is not quite so simple as the hon. Member makes out. The location of the companies in question and the countries in which they are situated must also he taken into consideration. I realise, however, the value of the suggestion made by the hon. Member. §Mr. Shinwell Would it not be disgraceful if British finance was utilised for the purpose of providing oil for Japan? Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House a more explicit reply? §Mr. Butler I think that if the hon. Member studies the intricacies of the subject and the location of the companies concerned, he will see in my reply the satisfaction he desires. §Mr. Shinwell Would the right hon. Gentleman give myself and other hon. Members an opportunity of discussing this matter, so that we can be informed on the subject? §Mr. Butler Most certainly; I think that will be very valuable. §Mr. Noel-Baker Is not the best hope of avoiding war with Japan in the prevention of sales of oil to Japan and the purchase of oil by ourselves instead? §37. Mr. Silkin asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that negotiations are taking place for the supply of oil to Japan by a number of Dutch and other companies, including a company in which there is substantial British control; and what action he proposes to take in the matter? §The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot) Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware that such negotiations are taking place and is watching them closely. §Mr. Silkin Are we going to treat Japan as we treated Italy, and supply her with oil to use against us? 1029 §Mr. Foot I think that the position was fully covered by the answers given earlier to-day by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Mr. J. J. Davidson Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Minister is in a position to deal adequately with this question? §Mr. Foot It was pointed out earlier to-day that the arrangements must be made by the Government of Netherlands East Indies. §Mr. Noel-Baker If this is a question of pre-emption will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to ask the Treasury for the funds required? §Mr. Foot We are always very ready to ask the Treasury for funds. §Mr. Shinwell Would the hon. Gentleman have been satisfied with the answer given by his right hon. Friend if he had remained on the back benches?

[@nickdanger3802]

@@alecblunden8615 “Now at this very moment I knew that the United States was in the war, up to the neck and in to the death. So we had won after all! ... How long the war would last or in what fashion it would end no man could tell, nor did I at this moment care ... We should not be wiped out. Our history would not come to an end ... Hitler's fate was sealed. Mussolini's fate was sealed. As for the Japanese, they would be ground to a powder. All the rest was merely the proper application of overwhelming force.” ― Winston S. Churchill

[@althesmith]

Is that one of the Collins pattern machetes? I have one from 1942 made for the Canadian army. Heavy but solid as a rock.

[@warwickmudge4114]

Mk3 Lee Enfields and Vickers M.G were still being used in Korea; again by the Aussies.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Nothing wrong with the SMLE. (Speaking as an Aussie-trained marksman.)

[@leiaorgana5098]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray *Niet rifle is fine moment*

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@leiaorgana5098 Are you able to say that in English, please?

[@leiaorgana5098]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray It's a reference and you don't get it.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@leiaorgana5098 Then why don't you educate me, rather than insulting me? Is that your real name?

[@alexfrideres1198]

snoipins a gud job m8

[@badmutherfunster]

.303 vickers fired a hotter round than the standard. 303 in the no4 and smle. if you ran that through rifles it would cause barrel damage. could interchange rifle rounds with the bren though

[@55vma]

The Mark 8 was the Vickers round. Re Thompson. Piece of garbage. According to my father. Tobruk and Papua New Guinea. The Bliss block jammed the gun. We had the Owen. The Yanks heavily modified. The Number Five was meant to replace the Number Four across the board. Change of calibre was coming. Eventually the SLR.🇦🇺🐨🇦🇺 We made your hats. Slouch hats.

[@MicMc539]

@@55vma Who's ''we''?

[@patrickh9937]

I've fired a jungle carbine. It really does kick.

[@bobyouel7674]

great stuff the tommy gun [and ammo] was not used according to my dad as it was much too heavy my dad was at Kohima so he knows my dad had a bayonet on his Sten gun and the Chindits were only a small unit the Vickers were even used at point blank

[@88hall]

I was wondering if anybody could tell me what type of mess tin and mount that is. It's not the typical British issue, nor does it appear the be a US issue (with the handle being vertical, instead of horizontal) either.

[@timp3931]

Is it WW1 British?

[@eugenekearney6971]

as a reenactor, love the donkey, where did you get it and was it prohibitively expensive?

[@user-xt9kl1vm3z]

It's a mule!

[@tomdulski3729]

well done

[@MS-sb9ov]

@1.53 airtex?

[@allandavis8201]

An excellent presentation, thank you for sharing your knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by all the forces operating in jungle conditions, very interesting and informative. I do however have one question, why did the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and our allies continue to use bolt action rifles as the standard infantry weapon?, surely manufacturers like Lee Enfield could have produced a semi-automatic weapon or have manufactured the American M-1 under license, being semi automatic it allowed for much more lead to go down-range in a shorter period of time, whereas even the best infantrymen could never have got the same number of rounds out of the pointy bit as quickly with the Lee Enfield. I am sure that there were good reasons for not switching but I doubt that the boots cared what they were, a semi automatic rifle would have made their lives so much easier, wouldn’t it? 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇦

[@isbee56]

1). Logistics, do you know how long it would take to retool every factory producing No.4 mk1s or SMLEs to make M1 rifles? Long enough to leave new units lacking in weapons and unable to be deployed to fight the Nazis or the Japanese for quite some time, that's not even accounting for the time it would take to train the armourers and soldiers who trained these units. 2). The SMLE was the best bolt action of the war, fastest firing, largest magazine, comfortable length and decent weight. They had an advantage at average fighting ranges of less than 400m over the Japanese and German contemporary rifles, the kar98k and the Arisaka. 3). British section level strategy revolved around the BREN, the other soldiers didn't need to be able to lay down suppression when the entire aim of their section was to support their LMG, hence why all soldiers carried 2 Bren mags with the gunner and assistant gunner carrying 8 and 4 respectively.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Good question. As a decorated 1960s Australian trained .303 marksman/sniper, I can say with assurance, that if one needs more than one shot for a kill, then one needs skills-training, not a higher rate of sprayed inaccurate fire-power. If I were ever to enter service again, I would still choose a sniperised version of the .303 again. It can be the perfect weapon, in certain circumstances, especially jungle.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

@@isbee56 Why do you hide behind a phony name? Cowardice? I served. You could not have!

[@allandavis8201]

@@isbee56 thanks for your reply, makes a lot of things clearer. Appreciated.

[@allandavis8201]

@@MichaelKingsfordGray ok, thanks for the reply, makes perfect sense when it is explained. Thanks again.

[@glynjones9988]

Not shaving was not just a matter of "no need." It was because shaving nicks on the face and neck would rapidly become infected, and with no modern antibiotics these could become serious.

[@sufianansari4923]

Oh my Lord - its Orde Wingate himself....🙃😮

[@ncrranger34]

Where did he get the slouch/bush hat from?

[@stephenhowes7542]

Soldier of Fortune site

[@heikoplotner2636]

Die Brücke am Kwai !!!

[@OOGAB00GAbitch]

Kukuri is my favorite knife ever

[@SeanDahle]

I like the Thompson a lot but in combat it is overrated. The m1928/m1928A1 in particular was not that easy to maintain, it was heavy, and prone to jamming in the humidity and mud of the jungles. Same with the M1 Thompson. The Australian Owen submachinegun was much more reliable and easier to carry and use.

[@nanky432]

One of the reasons for not shaving in the jungle was the fact you would be more likely to suffer from infection.

[@granitesevan6243]

Yes, any little cut was a potential hazard. Also, clean bodies are an unnatural smell in a jungle that a seasoned enemy would pick up on

[@edwinsalau150]

How long did it take for US Marine Corps to come up with something resembling rot proof gear? How long were we in Vietnam? How long before we got jungle utilities? how long before we got Jungle Boots? How long before they lined the chamber of the M-16? How long before they changed the powder back so people wouldn’t die? Who made money? What congressman or senator? Why did they cut corners on the M-16?

[@MicMc539]

Because you were the Bad Guys?

[@norrisbarnes6136]

Only gurkha's carried the kukrie knife

[@Ethan-xf4or]

Poor donkey :(

[@user-xt9kl1vm3z]

Mule.

[@busternineshoes]

Love the video, but do have to disagree with the Kukuri. It was never designed to kill. It was an all purpose knife. Can be used like an axe, a draw knife and so much more. Not just for killing.

[@davesherry5384]

I disagree, The Khukuri or Kukri was a weapon of war that was adapted to a farm implement. Eventual;y it became both at the same time.

[@p99guy]

It appears the UK Jungle Green, is very similar in color to the later US OD shade 107 used in the Vietnam Jungle fatigue sets.

[@calliecooke1817]

Wonderful video. Sorry I couldn't give a thumbs up. I won't be the one to change the number of likes from .303. Call me superstitious.

[@georgebeddows9696]

Pommie nerds are funny

[@bobjuniel8683]

UK in Asia in WW2. Not very many. Australia, New Zealand, India, Burma, New Guinean, and Singapore, yes. Not only did good old England not field many troops in Asia, but they kept Commonwealth troops in Europe. We in the India Pacific region were way down the list of priorities. The Yanks had Tommy Guns, we made our own Owen Guns, 45,000 of them, much to the opposition of an Australian military used to favouring British weapons. I wonder why?

[@ronhall9394]

Bob, while I can appreciate your pride in your country's armed forces - I assume its Australia, however your remark is simply not true. There were several British infantry divisions in Asia and you have to remember that every Indian Army division consisted of two Indian brigades and in one British brigade. British soldiers were in SE Asia from the first calamities in the war to the final victories. There were British Divisions captured at the Fall of Singapore and there were British Divisions at the successes of Kohima, Imphal and British soldiers at the capture of Rangoon, to say nothing of the Chindits. So by all means celebrate your own peoples achievements but do not belittle the efforts of others. ‘When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.’ Edit On a personal note, my maternal Grandad served his whole WW2 service in SE Asia and India. Dale Munford was a County Durham lad who got called up and send to be ground crew in the RAF. At the Fall of Singapore and as everything descended into rat shit the 'erks' got what was left of the RAF up and running, bundled the pilots into the planes and waved them off to safety - then were told to make their way to the coast and hope to be picked up by the RN. Dale managed to get to the coast, was picked up and re-joined the RAF and continued to do 'his bit' to the end of the war.

[@bobjuniel8683]

@@ronhall9394 The term British is used to cover any and all troops of the British Commonwealth. People assume that British are English. The UK understands it includes the people of the British Isles excluding Ireland (the Republic of Ireland). England continues to include all Commonwealth personnel as British. The contribution and casualty statistics show Britain but rarely identify and acknowledge those of Commonwealth countries. Yes there were soldiers from the British Isles in Singapore and the Australians were livered that that the "British" high command surrendered our Australian troops. Most did not survive being Japanese prisoners of war. There was no, "We've got your back." After these defeats in 1942, it was Commonwealth and American boots on the ground. The British would not even allow Commonwealth troops to return to the India-Pacific theatre of war to defend our homeland. We no longer depend on England to come to our defence. Yes the British came after Hitler and Nazi Germany were defeated. I did not realise they served at Kohima, Imphal and Rangoon. I thought they were Indian, Gurkha and Burmese troops, led by British Officers. Propaganda says Hollywood won WW2 followed by Pinewood Studios. In fact Great Britain lost 449,800. The USA lost 418,500. Our other allies Soviet Union lost 26,600,000, and China 15,000,000. Canada 45,300, Australian lost 40,500 and New Zealand 11,900. Plus Europe and many more. Actually in replying to you I find the statistics have been somewhat clarified, but still Russia and China continue to be regarded by NATO as our enemy, when they did much of the fighting and suffering. Russia largely defeated Hitler by defeating Germany's main Northern forces. I agree every person that made the supreme sacrifice must be remembered and honoured. If I seem to imply that I do not appreciate the contribution and suffering of all participants sincerely apologise. I just hate war. Yes you guessed right I am Australian, but I speak for myself not my country. They are not responsible for my comments.

[@MicMc539]

''I wonder why'' Easy! The Great Australian Cultural Cringe. Peace.

[@BillyBOB-sm3rl]

Is that the right mess kit for a British soldier? Looks American.

[@daviddedominici1705]

UK Equipment in the East in WW2: Carrying Thompson in thumbnail lol But seriously, good video

[@imperialinquisition6006]

Because the Uk used the Thompson?

[@SingularNinjular]

@@imperialinquisition6006 Quite extensively, in fact. It panic-bought every Thompson in sight until the Sten became available.

[@itsconnorstime]

The Thompson seems to have stuck around longer in the Far East, perhaps it was because they were already using it and the Americans could supply the caliber.

[@itsconnorstime]

@@SingularNinjular 200 dollars a gun, auto ordnance made a killing.

[@Quokka666]

you need to look in to SRD an z unit

[@garrisonnichols807]

Me personally if I was walking throughout the hot jungle all day I would pick the STEN submachine gun as my choice of weapon. It was much lighter than the Thompson at only 6 pounds compared to 10 pounds. Also 9mm Luger could probably punch straight through the dense brush better than the slower moving 45 ACP cartridge. I can tell you one thing the British weapons were better than what the Japanese had. Most Japanese soldiers only had bolt action 5 shot Ariska rifles and no submachine guns were issued at all.

[@Kai-ky6tf]

Larger calibers are better for cutting through brush. Its why 45-70 govt is so popular for bush hunting

[@Kai-ky6tf]

I would still takes the sten though because of the weight savings

[@edgaraquino2324]

Good info...I understand that the Sten suffered more jamming problems than the Thompson...the Sten was built for economy's sake as opposed to the Thompson which was more elaborate & cost more to build, especially the early models...the Luger & the Nambu were sometimes more dangerous to the user than the enemy...they also tended to jam more than the .45...I prefer the punch the .45 provides...you want the man down, not injured and shooting back...

[@isbee56]

@@Kai-ky6tf There's a reason Marlin 45-70 lever actions are nicknamed Brush guns.

[@isbee56]

I would 100% take the Thompson, I don't know if you've had the pleasure of carrying a Sten but there is no good way to comfortably carry it and no good place to hold it when shooting. 9mm is also far worse at penetration through brush as the smaller bullets are more likely to be deflected by small impacts on twigs and foliage. Also the Sten was not a particularly reliable weapon dirt got in easy due to its relatively open action and side ejection port. If I could pick a WW2 SMG used by the imperial soldiers it would be the Owen, lighter than the Thompson, more reliable and higher fire rate than the Sten which somewhat makes up for penetration issues also far more ergonomic than the STEN.

[@gavinbissell8847]

Fully automatic gurkhas

[@andreedowns4561]

DID THEY WEAR THE LIGHTER COLOUR AT OXBRIDGE ??.LOVE THE INDIAN SHORT BAYONET....STOP MESSING ABOUT ????

[@sugarnads]

Uk equipment vid, shows tommy gun...

[@billy5179]

Hell, no. Nobody pissed in their MG. Your life depends on that weapon. You rather don't drink, then use up all the water to later piss it on your rifle.... Did you even serve?

[@imperialinquisition6006]

Can you back up that statement with a source?

[@imperialinquisition6006]

Lmao

[@imperialinquisition6006]

I mean tbh it seems like a reasonable idea in bad circumstances. They wouldn’t have done it a lot.

[@warwickmudge4114]

I have heard of it, by my time m.g's were all air cooled. Also read in ww1 blokes wasting rounds to BOIL water to make a cuppa! ( Goodbye to all that - R.Graves)

[@billy5179]

@@imperialinquisition6006 ask anybody, who served in any army of the world. You dont piss on your most important piece of equipment.

[@nivek5031]

🙄 Typical WW2 west-world. The dinasaur gets its ass kicked then jumps an hour later. Nothing has changed. 😑

[@imperialinquisition6006]

Comment doesn’t make sense

[@nivek5031]

@@imperialinquisition6006 Only half is written and only half of what is written will be understood. 😉

[@rickyj5547]

Ww2 the Japanese war. You sound like you don't understand what he's saying.