The Return of Sgt. Rock

[BillyTucci]

Ah, I've found something interesting out last event. Everyone usually wants to say that the M1 Thompson was the more popular. Come to find out those ol' 28's were in a way. Mainly because the M1 was stamped construction vs the milled of the 28. With its more "careful" construction I guess it was more reliable, of course it could take any magazine (or the lesser used drum). Most compaints only involved the charging handle on top, its got a groove to aim through but I can see that when you fire it, it'd vibrate and move and toss your aim.

But my fellow reenactors provided me with photo and book evidence of those 1928's being used through the end of the war.

Sgt. Rock with one isn't that much of an oddity.

Okay, the best book to get is "Lost Battalions" by Franz Steidl. There's lots of it as well. If you send me an email (crusade2@optonline.net) I'll send you some more stuff that might help.
When Rock gets to the Vosges, he's using the M1 Thompson. I have him wielding the M1928a1 at Normandy as that's what Joe Kubert always had him using. I've also done research on which gun was the choice model, and found that many men liked to get what was newer. The M1 was also so much simpler, but I did find a photo of a 517th PIR soldier holding an M1928 with the gangster verticle front hand grip after the Anvil drop. So guys picked up (or stole) other weapons too. Has anyone ever seen a soldier with a trench gun? I'd like to add that to the story.

[BillyTucci]

The same applies here. The French are super appreciative of the Australian sacrific during WW1, here at home, not so much.

Billy I would just like to add my voice to the chorus of congratulations for your award and the artwork. I loved Sgt Rock as a kid and am rapt to see him make a return. One small thing, I will be devastated if at some stage, bullets don't bounce off Rock's ribs. lol!

Keep up the good work.

Thanks Leatchy. They were brave lads indeed. Sucks people forget doesn't it? I watched a documentary on Flight 175 (the second plane to hit the Trade Center on 9/11) and wonder how people can forget such things.
Again I appreciate your kind words and bet if I have bullets bounce off Rock's chest, DC wouldn't mind!

[gi-rene]

Okay, the best book to get is "Lost Battalions" by Franz Steidl. There's lots of it as well. If you send me an email (crusade2@optonline.net) I'll send you some more stuff that might help.
When Rock gets to the Vosges, he's using the M1 Thompson. I have him wielding the M1928a1 at Normandy as that's what Joe Kubert always had him using. I've also done research on which gun was the choice model, and found that many men liked to get what was newer. The M1 was also so much simpler, but I did find a photo of a 517th PIR soldier holding an M1928 with the gangster verticle front hand grip after the Anvil drop. So guys picked up (or stole) other weapons too. Has anyone ever seen a soldier with a trench gun? I'd like to add that to the story.

Hmmm. I know that the Army had gear for Riot and Trench Guns in the forms of pouches and stuff, and I know they had them in inventory but I have yet to encounter one in a ETO photo. I'm willing to guess that MPs may have had at least Riot Guns (Model 12s or 1897s without the shroud and bayonet lug).

Thanks for the information Billy. I'll send an email along shortly.

[McCoy]

I don't think that the M1897 n' M1912 saw the frontline in ETO in the same way that they saw the front in PTO where they indeed was used by troopers in frontline duty. I've yet to see any reference on frontline use of the trenchguns in ETO. They were used in The Great War though, but that's a whole different matter.

[gi-rene]

BTW Billy I heard that you may make an appearance at ComicCon San Diego next month. I doubt I can get a ticket now (I'm not much for comics, and I've heard its an Otaku love fest down there regardless) but if I can meet you in person I figure its worth a try... I'd almost show up in Red Bull attire for ya... or at least bring you my uniforms or other items of interest if I can.

[Pirate-Drakk]

I don't think that the M1897 n' M1912 saw the frontline in ETO in the same way that they saw the front in PTO where they indeed was used by troopers in frontline duty. I've yet to see any reference on frontline use of the trenchguns in ETO. They were used in The Great War though, but that's a whole different matter.

This is my recollection as well. However, I could imagine a case or two of those guns "accidentally" being shipped to the wrong front...

[Panzermacher]

Billy I got the first 3 installments and WOW!!!! I am liking where this is going....can't wait for the rest!