Why so many 1917 Artillery luger in N.Z,

John -Melb · 06-01-2003, 08:49 PM

I've asked this question before but our numbers seemed to have grown since then, so I'll ask again.
I've got a LP08 marked D^D (Australian Army property stamp, known locally as "Dad and Dave Industries") indicating Australian issue, I suspect during WW2. Does anyone know who the Lugers were issued to by Australian Army. I've heard two stories, one is they were issued to the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corp) a version of the British Home Guard, I've also heard they were issued to Australian Special Forces ("Z" Special Unit and the Independent Companies) for operations behind Japanese lines as they take the same ammo as the Owen Gun.
Anyone know?
Another interesting bit is the Local RSL has in it's collection the equipment of a senior First AIF Artillery Officer, including his Sam Browne belt, the holster is, you guessed it, a LP08?

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06-01-2003, 08:49 PM	#15
John -Melb User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Peoples Republic of Australia! Posts: 145 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've asked this question before but our numbers seemed to have grown since then, so I'll ask again. I've got a LP08 marked D^D (Australian Army property stamp, known locally as "Dad and Dave Industries") indicating Australian issue, I suspect during WW2. Does anyone know who the Lugers were issued to by Australian Army. I've heard two stories, one is they were issued to the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corp) a version of the British Home Guard, I've also heard they were issued to Australian Special Forces ("Z" Special Unit and the Independent Companies) for operations behind Japanese lines as they take the same ammo as the Owen Gun. Anyone know? Another interesting bit is the Local RSL has in it's collection the equipment of a senior First AIF Artillery Officer, including his Sam Browne belt, the holster is, you guessed it, a LP08?