Wednesday 11 May 2016

2nd World War Harley-Davidson Equipment - Gun Scabards

Hi

I have been researching the type of equipment that were used on the Harley-Davidsons during WW2 and have come across some interesting information.

Each WLA was equipped with a Gun Carrier Rack on the right side of the front forks. Generally the rider carried a Thompson Sub Machine Gun in the M1940 leather scabbard. However all types of weapons could be fitted to the rack.

These scabbards were fitted in the unit's motorpool from Quartermaster Department stocks and were not issued with the bike upon delivery from the Harley-Davidson factory. Vehicles and weapons were supplied by the Ordnance Corps.






I have come across a photo of SA UDF members on their motorcycles that shows that the motorcycles were fitted with a leather gun scabbard for their .303 rifles (standard issue for the SADF early in WW2).  The photo was taken in Kenya during the East Africa Campaign.


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