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Post by jms on Sept 13, 2021 11:31:58 GMT -5
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Post by jms on Sept 13, 2021 13:10:09 GMT -5
If I were him, I'd change the location of the knife!
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Post by craigtx on Sept 13, 2021 13:53:07 GMT -5
Looks like his belt slid around a bit...
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Post by lew on Sept 14, 2021 10:21:50 GMT -5
I believe he's from Commando de Penfentenyo, but don't quote me on that, and I don't feel like leafing through my book to find him. This would be 1959 at the earliest, and the area looks to be west of Tlemcen in western Algeria.
As for the knife, it's a balance between comfort and accessibility. I've tried it in that location, and, while not my preference, it's not terrible. The only real consideration is going prone and the knife and scabbard wanting to "tripod" with hilarious effect on the bearer.
He wasn't so much a sniper, as the role really didn't exist in the French military at the time. Rather, he's what would be termed a "designated marksman" in today's parlance. So, he's supplying a little bit more precision than a regular rifleman (voltigeur) but still remaining attached to the squad/platoon.
Excellent picture, and thanks for posting it.
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Post by jms on Sept 14, 2021 10:50:23 GMT -5
Yes, I can see where a "tripod" effect would be far less than desirable!
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Post by Kenneth on Sept 15, 2021 6:01:32 GMT -5
What do you suppose that roundish object is that is partly covering his left hand? I thought it might be an entrenching implement but directly behind it is a small pick-mattock. Good picture either way.
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Post by lew on Sept 15, 2021 9:27:34 GMT -5
I was trying to figger that out myself. I have no clue and I've never seen anything like it.
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Post by Kenneth on Sept 15, 2021 15:25:36 GMT -5
The closest thing I can think of is a WWII British army entrenching tool, unlikely as it may be.
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Post by craigtx on Sept 16, 2021 4:02:07 GMT -5
It looks like it is an e-tool, or pickaxe.
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Post by earlymb on Sept 16, 2021 5:26:20 GMT -5
A small hoe indeed, bigger than the supplied ones but small enough to carry around easily?
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