The paratrooper and the 92 Winchester (Sorry Long)

[Edward Tinker]

From what I have been told, Paratroopers could get away with a lot of using their own weapons; a lot like Special Forces do to this day. I have no reason to disbelieve a 92 Winchester being brought along; expecially after D Day. I would think that D Day troops were more likely to carry US issued weapons, while on the 2nd jump, you hear of trops that carried "extra" weapons, I think it was band of brothers that a trooper was carrying a shotgun with him? As an examples, it was far easier for a trooper to get a M1 carbine or Thompson than other ground troops could pick them up.

I have heard the story more than once of Vietnam Vets carrying S&W's, Colts, etc that were not issued, bringing it home was much harder, but getting it over there or picking it up over there was very possible.

For the WW2 vet, I see no reason to see why it was not sent to him or he picked it up locally.

I also know that US citizens sent large amounts of guns to the Brits when they called for arms (I have seen pictures of shotguns, old rifles, etc), but before the Lend Lease actually started rolling. From what I have read, I am sure most were stored or destroyed, AFTER the lend lease guns started coming over.

Ed