Australian Lugers?

[john]

I have a P14 (Artillery) Luger with the D^D (Australian Deptartment of Defence) marking under the rear sight, I

have heard a number of tales regarding Australian Issue of WW1 Lugers during WW2.

One story is that they were issued to VDC (Home Guard) Units;

The other is that they were issued to Independent Companies and Services Reconassance Department in place of the revolver, as they took the same ammunition as the Owen Gun. I would like to believe that one however all publications/articles I have read about such operations mention S&W revolvers?


I also have a P08 Luger with cast aluminum grips. It make sense to me that this would be part of a "job lot" as someone with one Luger needing new grips would go to trouble of casting a single set out of aluminum.

I have heard a number of stories regarding this one too.

One is that the cast aluminum grips on a Luger signify Kriegsmarine issue to E-boats and surface raiders, where exposure to sea water could cause the wooden grips to rot or swell and crack.

The other is again issue to Australian "spooks" during WW2 when the wood grips were replaced with cast aluminum for the same reason.


All info greatly appreciated.