D-Day 80th Anniversary Special, Part 1: Paratroopers, with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson.

Published on June 5, 2024
Duration: 21:13

This D-Day 80th Anniversary special explores key firearms used by paratroopers, including the Sten Mk V and the M1A1 Carbine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Sten Mk V's 'Gucci' features like wooden furniture and a foregrip, contrasting it with earlier models. The M1A1 Carbine is presented as a compact PDW for officers, highlighting its folding stock. The segment also covers the 'Cricket' clicker used for identification and a notable cinematic error.

Quick Summary

The Sten Mk V, a refined 'Gucci' variant for the 1944 invasion, featured improved finishes and wooden furniture. The M1A1 Carbine was a compact PDW for paratroopers with a folding stock. Both were crucial for Allied operations, alongside identification tools like the 'Cricket' clicker.

Chapters

  1. 00:34Sten Mk V Introduction
  2. 08:39M1A1 Carbine Explained
  3. 15:03The 'Cricket' Clicker & 'The Longest Day'

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Sten Mk V different from earlier Sten models?

The Sten Mk V was a more refined version, returning to higher quality finishes like phosphate and black paint, and featuring wooden furniture. It also included a pistol grip, a No. 4 rifle-style buttstock, and a Thompson-style foregrip, making it a more 'Gucci' variant for the 1944 invasion.

What was the purpose of the M1A1 Carbine for paratroopers?

The M1A1 Carbine was the paratrooper variant of the M1 Carbine, designed as a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) for officers and specialists. It offered more firepower than a pistol in a compact package, featuring a folding steel wire stock for easier transport.

How did paratroopers use the 'Cricket' clicker during D-Day?

US paratroopers used the Acme No. 470 Clicker, a brass and steel device, for identification in the dark. One click served as a challenge, and two clicks was the required response to confirm friendly identity amidst the chaos of the invasion.

What are the key features of the Sten Mk V?

The Sten Mk V featured a pistol grip, a No. 4 rifle-style buttstock with a cleaning kit trap, and a Thompson-style foregrip. It was chambered in 9mm and could accept a No. 4 Mk II spike bayonet. Paratroopers often removed the stock and magazine for jumps.

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