WWI Guards Division Forum

OK this is a topic that has generated a lot of flack on the trench line but i wanted to see what everyone else thought. What are your opinions or proof on whether or not bombers carried side arms? I have documentation of the use of trench clubs and such but no definite proof as to weather or not the bombers carried pistols. Does anyone have any proof for this?

bomber Macgregor

Well I think all photographic evidence as well as documentation shows that bombers were expected to carry all of the same equipment as any other infantryman. As such they would have continued to carry rifles, webgear, etc. That doesn't mean they didn't carry pistols if they could get their hands on them.

There are two circumstances though that should not be confused. First there is the way the bombers would be during most times they were fulfilling their duties. The other is when they would be sent into NML for small raids, wire cutting parties, etc. As such all members of the raiding party, whether bombers or riflemen, would drop all gear that would cause noise or slow them down. In that case it is more likely that the 2 or 3 in the raiding party would borrow pistols from others even if they don't have one of their own.

For purposes of reenacting, you might consider keeping your normal kit, but having a pistol for a stripped down kit for night raids and wire cutting parties.

Just a thought.... Any other thoughts out there?

Cheers!

Jim

I can tell you from experience that a pistol makes the role of a bomber worlds easier. This eliminates the enfield and neccities (although as Jim mentioned, you do still have the rifle and everything with it) on night raids where it really only gets in the way. Also as you were leading to Chad, bombers were often relied on for close combat. Here a pistol makes more sense then trying to manuver a long rifle through the narrow and twisting trenches ( a jungle carbine would be PERFECT! ). Anyway I love my Enfeild, I really really do, seriously, but when it comes to bombing I belive a pistol gets the job done better, and I feel that actual bombers would have felt the same. In closing, is anyone really going to question a bomber with a pistol? I dont think so

yo,

any guesses how many bombers we have left out of the three hundred we had at the last event?

Fell free to chimbe in...

Walshie,4593

I would guess I have 30 to 50.

Hard to say though.