Captured from a German Officer

Aaron · 03-19-2002, 05:27 PM

In volume IV of Whittington's "German Pistols and Holsters" there is a complete breakdown of pistols issued to most German army units. Here are a few examples:

INFANTRY COMPANY (1944)

Heer KStN number 131V for a Grenadierkompanie, dated 1 November, 1944, lists an authorization of 2 officers, 16 NCOs, and 101 men. Eleven issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized, but NONE were for officers. Both officers were obligated to utilize commercial pistols and holsters.

LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY ON BICYCLES (1944)

2 officers, 21 NCOs, and 133 men. Eighteen issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized. Both officers were issued only machine pistols and were obligated to utilize commercial pistols and holsters.

FRONTIER PROTECTION ZONE

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY MOTORIZED (1942)

4 officers, 39 NCOs, and 156 men. Eight issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized. All four officers received issue pistols and holsters. The platoon leaders were issued the machine pistols in addition to pistols.

These figures indicate that in the Wehrmacht, most pistols were issued to enlisted personnel. However, the majority of pistols used by the Kriegsmarine (about 75%) were of the pocket pistol type and were carried by officers.

This is a fascinating book which I highly recommend. The last I heard, Simpson still had a few copies for sale.

03-19-2002, 05:27 PM	#15
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: German Officers In volume IV of Whittington's "German Pistols and Holsters" there is a complete breakdown of pistols issued to most German army units. Here are a few examples: INFANTRY COMPANY (1944) Heer KStN number 131V for a Grenadierkompanie, dated 1 November, 1944, lists an authorization of 2 officers, 16 NCOs, and 101 men. Eleven issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized, but NONE were for officers. Both officers were obligated to utilize commercial pistols and holsters. LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY ON BICYCLES (1944) 2 officers, 21 NCOs, and 133 men. Eighteen issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized. Both officers were issued only machine pistols and were obligated to utilize commercial pistols and holsters. FRONTIER PROTECTION ZONE COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY MOTORIZED (1942) 4 officers, 39 NCOs, and 156 men. Eight issue pistol and holster rigs were authorized. All four officers received issue pistols and holsters. The platoon leaders were issued the machine pistols in addition to pistols. These figures indicate that in the Wehrmacht, most pistols were issued to enlisted personnel. However, the majority of pistols used by the Kriegsmarine (about 75%) were of the pocket pistol type and were carried by officers. This is a fascinating book which I highly recommend. The last I heard, Simpson still had a few copies for sale.