Page 377 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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◀ M36 MUSETTE BAG ◀ TYPE T5 PARACHUTE
Date 1936 Date c.1940
Origin US Origin US
Material Canvas Material Silk (later rayon)
This versatile mini-haversack held The T5 was the standard parachute
ammunition, rations, and personal used by the US Army throughout
effects. The rope was included in case World War II. Static lines attached to
Attachment the soldier needed to free himself the plane automatically deployed the
straps from a tree or building on landing. parachute as the paratrooper jumped
from the aircraft. AIRBORNE FORCES UNIFORM

Pull-out
Rope 33ft (10m)
in length panel covering Leather washers
main parachute form grip

Standard issue raincoat
folded under flap Recurved quillons AND KIT
Leg straps of
cotton webbing
▶ MK3 FIGHTING KNIFE
▼ FG42 AUTOMATIC RIFLE Date 1943
Date 1943 Origin US
1
Origin Germany Weight 8 ⁄2oz (240g)
1
Weight 10lb (4.53kg) Length 11 ⁄2in (29.5cm)
3
Barrel 19 ⁄4in (50.2cm) Based partly on the British Fairburn-
Caliber 7.9mm Sykes commando knife, the Mk3 was
intended for hand-to-hand combat.
The FG42 was a fully automatic Paratroopers strapped the knife on
weapon designed to provide long- to their lower leg for ease of access.
Folding sight range firepower to paratroopers on the
ground. It pioneered a “straight-line”
butt-to-muzzle layout and employed Metal Diamond-
a gas-operated firing mechanism.
butt stock section blade

Bipod
legs
Slanting pistol grip

Spike
Rear red lens light

▶ AIRBORNE
GRAVITY KNIFE
Date 1937
Origin Germany
1
Weight 12 ⁄2oz (350g)
▶ BSA FOLDING BICYCLE
Length 10in (25.3cm)
Date 1943
Issued to German paratroopers, Origin UK
this knife could be opened Weight (Frame) 4 ⁄2lb (2kg)
1
with one hand. When the
operating lever was opened, The armed forces had used folding
the blade fell forward due bicycles extensively during World
to gravity. It was intended War I, but this lightweight model was
primarily to help the soldier designed especially for commandos Sprocket with
free himself from a tangled and airborne forces, to provide them Birmingham
parachute harness. some much-needed mobility. Small Arms
(BSA) logo