How were sub machineguns distributed?

I was curious as to how the various different forces distributed sub machine guns (i.e-MP40, Thompson, Ppsh or Sten) to thier soldiers. Were they given to NCO's only, and was it common for entire small units to be armed with sub machine guns (like the photos of Russians in groups all armed with Ppshs).


Cheers,
Daniel

 

I know that at least the Red Army had entire units completely armed with sub-machine guns —up to regiment size, I think—, and were used mainly for street and close combat.

 

Hey Daniel. Good question now I'm curious.As the General said alot of the Red Army carried them.In their case one reason was the chrome plated barrel.Real rugged and did'nt mind the corrosive primed ammo they used.Nasty stuff,I've seen some at the firing range. Maybe Mr. Gardner will know??

 

It varies by nation but, generally all of the Western nations, to include the US, Britain and, Germany, supplied one SMG per squad to their troops. This was normally the armament of the squad leader. In the US and British armies squad leaders did not always choose to carry such a weapon however.
For instance, with the US each platoon and company was issued a number of submachineguns for distribution as the platoon and company leaders saw fit so distribution varies from unit to unit.
With the Russians and some late war German formations (particularly Volksgrenadier and cavalry for the Germans) the proportion of submachineguns / assault rifles reached closer to 50%. The Russians did organize small submachinegun battalions (about half the size of a typical battalion) specifically for use as tankii desant (tank mounted infantry eg, men who were designated to ride tanks into combat assaults) where all of the troops were armed with such weapons. This unit is definitely an exception however.

 

Thanks alot guys.

Cheers,
Daniel

 

Quite right. Generally the SMG was considered as a self defence weapon - something to be carried along, and able to produce a large amount of firepower in an emergency at very close range, for a very short time! Something suitable for unit leaders, vehicle crews, etc.

The US army found the M1 carbine would be a better concept. The Russians liked the high firepower idea, and so formed these assault units.

The amount of "Schmeissers" seen in Hollywood is totally unrealistic, see The Guns of Navarone, or Where Eagles Dare, for example

 

Quite right. Generally the SMG was considered as a self defence weapon - something to be carried along, and able to produce a large amount of firepower in an emergency at very close range, for a very short time! Something suitable for unit leaders, vehicle crews, etc.

The US army found the M1 carbine would be a better concept. The Russians liked the high firepower idea, and so formed these assault units.

The amount of "Schmeissers" seen in Hollywood is totally unrealistic, see The Guns of Navarone, or Where Eagles Dare, for example

 

Did'nt paratroops,rangers etc. carry Thompsons or grease-guns?"For emergencies/short time only?"I always thought they were used because they were compact and could lay down the fire-power.Short range of course.

 

Me to weren't they used because many used pistal ammo and they had extra of that?

 

I think you are right framert. I always thought that the carbine was suposed to serve as the compact short term/ short range function. As to the number of MP 34/40's you see in the films, they probrably thought that was normal, seeing as how almost every picture of German infantry you see there are some armed with sub-machineguns.

 

That's easy! Bolt-action rifles do not make good action movies!

 

The M1 Carbine was intended for as a self-defence weapon for second-line troops as it was much smaller and lighter than the M1 Garand, but far more accurate and effective than a pistol. The SMG was, in theory, more of an offensive than defensive weapon intended for close-quarter fighting, although such fine distinctions were generally lost in practice.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and Discussion forum