Scw Tommies

[anticus]

Does anyone know if Thompsons were used in the Spanish Civil War ?

 

[anticus]

 

 

As for Spain, the sources I've read so far have been less than specific when it comes to identifying specific models

of SMG that were employed by both sides. I've seen reference to the Bergmann and Erma guns and the RU1935, an indigenous Spanish design, but nothing definitive about the Thompson. But as you say, it's likely a few saw action. BTW,the Nationalists used at least 9 different calibers of rifles and the Republicans (Loyalists) around 49 ! Must have made for some interesting logistical challenges.

 

Update: FWIW, there were a few 21's in use in Catalonia during the war. Belonged to the local mob who sided with the Republicans.

Edited November 8, 2008 by anticus

[Z3BigDaddy]

Just to add a bit... Don't remember seeing any reference to the Thompson being used in the usual books... In the late thirties there was plenty of weaponry that cartridge wise better suited the area... personal opinion only....

 

"The Model 1918 was issued to the Ardite regiments of the Italian Army early in 1918 and thus became the first submachine gun to be standard issue, predating the German Bergmann by a few weeks. The Model 1918 remained in service until World War II, but because of the carbine like appearance, they were frequently unrecognized for what they were. Numbers of the Model 1918 were used during the Spanish Civil War and the Abyssian war and were frequently encountered in the early phases of the Libyan campaign in 1941."

 

Article by: JDG

 

Sources:

Ian Hogg, Encyclopedia of Infantry Weapons of World War II, Bison Books, 1977.

Chris Bishop, Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Barnes & Noble Press, 1998

 

http://www.npg.si.edu/img2/hemingway/rifle.jpg

Maybe this guy brought his with*......

*One of a series of Hemingway photographs taken at the battle for Teruel

Robert Capa (1913-1954) / Gelatin silver prints, 1937

Image courtesy Ernest Hemingway Collection, John F. Kennedy Library, Boston, Massachusetts

Copyright Robert Capa Archives, ICP

Edited October 8, 2007 by Z3BigDaddy