Thompson SMG

[David Dunlop]

Would the wartime Small Arms Pamphlet for the Thompson, for either England or Canada, cover available magazines, at least at the official level?

David

[r.morrison]

From what I found, like Jakko, it was the 20rd and 50rd units used. I have yet to see a photo/movie/documentary with the Commonwealth nations using the 30rd. The Devil's Brigade perhaps, as the were kitted out with American Gear.
Robert

[Neil Ashley]

The British originally specified the 20 round magazines and they were the only ones that would fit into early 37 pattern Bren Pouches until they changed the design. Internal stowage on vehicles was also built round the 20 round Mags but after the US discontinued their production early in the war the British Army would have had no choice.

[r.morrison]

Hi Neil: A very interesting piece of history there. I would have never even ventured that way as to the answer to the question. I have samples of all the items mentioned and will take some photos and measurements just to satisfy my own curiosity. I will post the photos.
Cheers to all for your input.....
Robert

[Ed Storey]

Attached is a copy of a Basic Pouch contents photograph that was taken many years ago for my Service Publications book 37 Pattern Web.

C414-24 Basic Pouch Mk II - open with contents copy.jpg

[derk derin]

David had a good point. Look at an official Pam for the Thompson. I just so happen to have one on my shelf! Usually all my manuals are displayed with my field equipment but sadly I do not have a Thompson to display with my manual. Maybe one day?
In the manual it lists a 20 round and 50 round magazine available. There is no mention of a 30 round magazine!

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by derk derin

David had a good point. Look at an official Pam for the Thompson. I just so happen to have one on my shelf! Usually all my manuals are displayed with my field equipment but sadly I do not have a Thompson to display with my manual. Maybe one day?
In the manual it lists a 20 round and 50 round magazine available. There is no mention of a 30 round magazine!

That is a nice early edition of the Thompson SAT.

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by derk derin

There is no mention of a 30 round magazine!

That is not too surprising. Your manual is dated 1940, and per Wikipedia:

The 30-round box was approved as the new standard in December 1941 to replace the "XX" and "L" magazines.

[r.morrison]

Hi Ed: Thanks for posting the photo. Saves me a bit of work. So, as per your photo, the Commonwealth Nations DID utilize the 30 round magazine. It looks like it would just fit into the pouch.
I appreciate everyone's input on the matter.
Robert

[Neil Ashley]

The bible on this is the book 'Great Britain - The Tommy Gun Story' by Tom Davis Junior. Neither Sten Mags or 30 round Thompson Mags would fit into British Mk 1 Bren Mags. With the 39 pattern leather equipment they modified the pouches by taking off the popper tab and moving it up.

The British Army had just adopted a metal box to hold 20 round mags when the americans decided to discontinue production so they were not very happy.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by r.morrison

Hi Ed: Thanks for posting the photo. Saves me a bit of work. So, as per your photo, the Commonwealth Nations DID utilize the 30 round magazine. It looks like it would just fit into the pouch.
I appreciate everyone's input on the matter.
Robert

No, I don't have any photographic evidence that Commonwealth Nations ever used the 30 round Thompson magazine although I did not know that some 20 years ago when the photograph was taken for the book.