3 replies to this topic

[rpbcps]

The Groupes mobiles de reserve, (mobile reserve groups), often referred to as GMR, were paramilitary units created  by the Vichy Government in April 1941 and served that regime until its demise in June 1944, carrying out counter partisan operations, amongst other policing duties.

 

It has always been recorded that the GMR were issued with some of the Model of 1921's that AOC delivered to France in 1940.

 

Yesterday, while looking through some old GMR records on the internet, I came across three more photos of GMR units armed with Thompson Model of 1921's, which I have never seen before, so I am posting them to share with you all:

 

 GMR 1944.jpg   172.28K   86 downloads      GMR 1944 Nazarre.JPG   93.4K   86 downloads      GMR Haut Savoie 1944.jpg   168.17K   78 downloads

 

During this period, the French manuals dated 1941,1942 and 1944 were also produced for the Model of 1921:

 

http://www.machinegu...french +manuals

 

http://www.machinegu...topic=16985&hl=

 

I attempted to tag the first link, but failed, hence added as links to the post.

 

More photos of Thompson Model of 1921’s in French service, post second world war, in Indo China are in this post from 2013:

 

http://www.machinegu...son#entry127211

 

Stay safe

 

Richard

Edited by rpbcps, 04 February 2019 - 05:30 AM.

[giantpanda4]

Great info and pics! Thanks!

 

It is interesting to see how they actually carried the gun with the re-positioned sling swivels. 

[AlanDavid]

Interesting photos.

 

At least 3 Mk11 Sten guns in the middle photo, must have been captured examples from British supply drops.

 

Regards

 

AlanD

[rpbcps]

Interesting photos.

 

At least 3 Mk11 Sten guns in the middle photo, must have been captured examples from British supply drops.

 

Regards

 

AlanD

 

Indeed, maybe they are weapons recovered during counter partisan operations.

 

While serving with the reserve EOD, I recall there were many weapon, including a few Thompsons, at the British Army School of Ammunition training facilities, that had been recovered during operations in Ireland.

 

Stay Safe

Richard