Another interesting photo

This would be the assault of Pointe du Hoc, where the cliffs were 100 feet straight up from a narrow sliver of beach. The Germans didn't fortify the side facing the sea because they didn't believe anyone could attack that way.

I was there in 1994, as part of a 50th anniversary tour of the invasion sites. Pointe du Hoc was ... incredible. Photos don't do it justice.

http://media.oaktreesys.com/abmc/pointeduhoc/popup.html

More: http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/dday/pointeduhoc.aspx

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/articles/pointeduhoc.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6AdQPntu2Q

And:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEsTK6iV2RA&feature=related
 
Last edited:
The revolver's holster was clearly meant to be a crossdraw rig, worn around backwards strongside. Might work OK for the "shoot from the hip" techniques still dominant at that time.
 
What is Kerchner's 1911 hanging from? I don't see any clips through his web belt.

on edit: Never mind, I see now it is hanging from the inside layer of the belt. (I probably wouldn't have enough extra belt for that. :))

The revolver's holster was clearly meant to be a crossdraw rig, worn around backwards strongside.
Click to expand...

Do you mean weak side? Assuming Rudder is right handed, would that holster have been more properly worn on his left side?
 
Do you mean weak side? Assuming Rudder is right handed, would that holster have been more properly worn on his left side?
Click to expand...

Yup. It was meant as a butt-forward weak-side rig that could be accessed strong-right-hand crossdraw OR using the "cavalry draw" ("palm out") with the left hand.

Set up this way, the draw would be funky BUT I can see how it might be reasonably comfortable while sitting down (desk, car?). And the resulting draw might make sense for him, if the revolver is considered a last-ditch "get off me!" weapon at close range, fired from the hip.
 
Thanks. That makes a lot of sense.

Of course the most intersing thing I noticed in the photo is the iPhone in Kerchner's pocket. They were a little larger in then. :)

(I'm assuming it was a note pad of some kind, but someone here may know what piece of kit had that shape.)
 
My dad's wartime diary online

The comment about the iPad reminded me of something that may be of interest to folks on this site. My son posted a copy of a diary that my dad kept from DDay till about DDay plus 7. He posted it on a site called reddit and it got over 5000 hits within a few days. At one point my dad commented "so and so got hit. Game boy ...". The kids on reddit had a field day with that one.

I don't know your rules yet so didn't add the link ... But a quick google search should get you there.

Thanks again, all. Neat site that you have here.
 
"Yup. It was meant as a butt-forward weak-side rig that could be accessed strong-right-hand crossdraw OR using the "cavalry draw" ("palm out") with the left hand."

Hum... Interesting...

I'm finding information on the web now that says that the Model 1917 holster was nothing more than a re-issue of the M1909 holster, and that it was supposed to be worn on the right side, funny cant and all, but could be worn cross draw no problems.

The Model 1917/42 holster did away with the cant and it became a true right-hand draw holster.

I wonder where I can lay my hands on a bunch of originals....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top