Copyright
1998-2001 Dragon Models Limited. All Rights Reserved
The
M1 Garand remained the primary weapon in the parachute infantry. While the divisional
riggers fabricated alternate pouches, the M1923 cartridge belt remained in common
use. Sometimes a front pocket was removed (or the M1910 belt used) to allow
a magazine pouch for the M1911A1 .45 pistol to be fitted. The M1 was easily
dismantled to fit in a “Griswold” weapons case for the jump. The case would
have been discarded after the trooper had landed. The useful M1936 Field Bag
(Musette Bag) simply clipped to rings on the M1936 suspenders but it was often
lost in the drop. Even though a paratrooper may have jumped with a load nearly
equal to the weight of the trooper, the realities of combat often lightened
that load.