I am wondering how Soldiers were able to ship items home from Europe during WWII. My Father-in-law had many items that came from Europe and we have been puzzled by how he got them home. I know at the end of the war, some items were shipped as "Organizational War Trophies". This being noted, I know he didn't carry everything around within during the war. He managed to have quite a few items. Thanks for any information!
The Regiment carried large boxes or footlockers for individual soldiers - his dress uniform and other personal items. He could put whatever he wanted in there. He could also mail items home if they weren't obvious loot (jewelry, etc). He could mail German flags, helmets, etc, home without any problems.
Thanks, that does make sense. My father-in-law sent home a flag, gun, mandolin and a few other items. We knew it wasn't feasible for him to tote these items through battles.
You might find this thread useful/informative: http://www.ww2f.com/topic/52476-what-souvenirs-were-soldiers-allowed-to-carry-back-home/
I knew an individual who was a Marine on Iwo Jima. Collected a lot of souveniers but ended up giving them all to a seaman who came ashore looking for some. My dad got his as part of a landing action and the ships captain issued everyone on board a rifle and misc gear. Even signed a reciept saying that the rifle was legally theirs. Wouldn't let them keep any pistols or automatic weapons though.
