Interesting picture
 

Came across this picture on the US Archives site. It shows the Regiment de Maissenuve (spelling?) moving through Holten Holland. Note where the shovel are being carried by the first two men.

http://www.archives.gov/research_roo...es/ww2_114.jpg

shovels
 

I've read about troops carrying their shovels like that, but never seen it in a photo - some kind of psychological protection? would never really stop anything more than a riccochet but it might have helped to believe that it would? must have been uncomfortable if you had to do more than walk!

Shovel position....
 

Hi there

Where else could you carry it? I've read accounts of infantry carrying a shovel shoved down the back, under the webbing. This was unpopular as it apparently struck the back of the helmet with every step.

If it were carried as shown, would it be easier to get at if you suddenly had to go to ground? Lie on your back, and put it from your belt?

:confused:

Steve

Re: Shovel position
 

Hi Art;

Note their relaxed - weapons slung - moving up or moving back - position of shovel - easy carry - carried it in this position myself before.

Have seen similar pictures of the shovel being carried in this position - all the same - relaxed - weapons slung - note the Bren Gunner & position of Bren - have seen similar of this carry before also in pictures.

Cheers :)

GS shovels
 

I have several photos of troops carrying the GS shovel and right up in combat. I've got one of the SSR firing on the germans thru some hedges, everyone visible in the photo (9-10) has a GS shovel. Also having tried carrying it in the front webbing is easy and practical, it's not in the way and doesn,t bother me when I jump to the ground and by unbuckeling my web belt it drops right out ready to use. way more practicle than the entrenching tool

shovel pics
 

[IMG]ca.msnusers.com/6c3jdd8cn7booh3urvbqssq6d6/Documents/Pictures%2Fdigger2.jpg[/IMG] Lets see if this works?

Try Try again
 

o far so good SSF photo
 

http://ca.msnusers.com/6c3jdd8cn7boo...%2Fdigger3.jpg all photo's credit Public archives

More shovels
 

http://ca.msnusers.com/6c3jdd8cn7boo...ger3%20001.jpg Public archive# 145884 Unfortunatly I don't know who or where.