My WWII weapons firing experience is v. limited: SMLE No 4 (helluva recoil after firing the SLR); .303" Bren (best-ever LMG). But my most memorable WWII weaps moment was - aged 13 - sitting behind a Vickers .303" MMG. Those brass spade-grips, safety taps & firing buttons in my hands - what a buzz. And Dad wouldn't let me fire it... When I watched the SF fire demo (on a floating target half-a-mile out to sea - I was surprised how slow the ROF was, and how thirsty the water-jacket. A 1gall can turned to steam in a few minutes.

Klive