Tommy gun in the ETO

[John McGillivray]

Here is a photo of troops from the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on patrol near Nijmegen, Netherlands, 22 January 1945. The lead soldier is carring a Thompson MG.

http://collectionscanada.gc.ca/pam_a...-v6&back_url=()

[Gerry McGinty]

John, Great picture which really proves a point.
Very interestingly, the fourth figure in the column looks to be carrying a Mark II Sten! If this is the case, it is a great example of why we should be open-minded in this topic.

Regards

Gerry

[gary_bath_jr]

My thoughts as well, I was trying to show that there was evidence that tommy's were used.

Gary

[Jordan Baker]

I remember talking with a few RHLI vets about the use of Thompson SMG's. Early on in the war I was told that they were lucky if the Platoon Sgt/Mjr had one and that was it.

The other vet said he had one with him in NWE, interestingly he stated he got rid of the butt stock to save space. Sadly he couldn't provide much more detail. Im not sure if he was a driver as to me that would make most sense.

So far I haven't really found any other evidence the RHLI had them but then I really haven't been looking for anything other then what pops up while searching for something else.

[Ed Storey]

Guys, no wonder the average collector and restorer is so confused, you all keep focusing on the half-percent anomalies! The fact is and remains that the Sten was used by the Canadian Army in North-west Europe and the Thompson was used in Italy. Sure there is a picture of a patrol in the winter and the lead person has a Thompson and okay some old Canadian Vet said he had one, that is well and good but the answer is that the Sten was the Machine Carbine used by the Army in NW Europe. Stop muddying the waters by dredging up exceptions.

There is also the infamous photograph of a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion carrying a M1 Garand. Interesting photograph, again an anomaly but it was fuel for the fire for every 1 Can Para Re-enactor in the US to use it as an excuse to arm himself with an M1 instead of a No. 4. Nice photograph, but wrong conclusion.

Once again I hearken to tables of organization and equipment in which the Sten is THE machine Carbine for the Army in NW Europe and this has to do with supply which simply means, ammunition and parts. A member of Canadian in the Army in NW Europe in WWII would not be entitled to nor issued with a Thompson. If one were procured, then ammunition would be a problem as .45 cal ACP ammunition would not be forthcoming up through the Canadian supply chain.

If you are restoring a vehicle or putting together a uniform impression for NW Europe, then the Sten is the only correct option and answer.

So ends the lesson!

[gary_bath_jr]

So Ends the Lesson??? HHMMMMM

[servicepub (RIP)]

I wish I had seen this yesterday as I would have said everything Ed said - but not as subtlely.
Canadian policy was Thompson in the AAI and the Sten in NWE. I feel for the idiot who carries a weapon that is not supported as the provision of parts would be impossible and ammo next to non-existent. I also think that carrying the extra pounds for the sake of a contemporary 'look cool factor' wouldn't be wotrth it after a few kilometres.
That a soldier in the Airborne carries a Thompson is moot. All Canadian Airborne troops came under the 6th (British) AB Division and the British may have had a separate policy.
Clive

[Gerry McGinty]

"If you are restoring a vehicle or putting together a uniform impression for NW Europe, then the Sten is the only correct option and answer."

I am thinking of making a small diorama of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on patrol near Nijmegen, Netherlands, 22 January 1945 one carrying a Thompson and the fourth in line carrying a Sten - do you think that this is realistic?

Regards
Gerry