In addition to the previous comments, Navy ships have a function known as "shore parties" These are groups sent ashore for various reasons such as unloading combat supplies, scouting or establishing a remote observation post, or just making the imperial presence evident. In the US Navy the "Blue Jackets Manual" for 1940 (my father's) has a part 6 devoted to the naval landing force and under 'Rudimentary Seamanship and Gunnery" there ia a chapter on carrying the BAR and the submachine gun (literally just covers carrying)and a chapter on small arms covering the use and care for the 03 rifle and the 1911 Colt .45. So naval use of small arms in the early 20th century was fairly wide spread.
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