Self Introduction

George Anderson · 10-11-2004, 03:13 PM

Charles, I think we would all still look forward to seeing your photos. You are right that the 138th Infantry regiment was assigned to the 42nd Division from 1916 through 1918. The American Expeditionary Forces rated the 42nd as a third class unit.

The 42nd was in the Baltic in 1916 until December 1917 when it was transferred to France. In 1918 it was engaged in the Battle of Lys as well as the battle of Champagne. At the end of the war it was in a position opposite American troops.

I believe that your grip strap marking should be read as, 138th Infantry Regiment, Machine Gun Company, weapon number 321.

In 1913 all weapons in a company were supposed to be property marked. This would include everything from P08s and Gew98s down to bayonets. I believe that the system was such that weapon number 322 in your case could have been a bayonet and 320 could have been a heavy machine gun.

I have often wondered if a pistol, we'll say your 1913 P08, would have been given the same number as the Reichs Revolver it probably replaced in 1913 or 1914. I think that would make sense.

We look forward to your photos. Did you perchance get to the Chantilly gun show this past weekend?

10-11-2004, 03:13 PM	#8
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	Charles, I think we would all still look forward to seeing your photos. You are right that the 138th Infantry regiment was assigned to the 42nd Division from 1916 through 1918. The American Expeditionary Forces rated the 42nd as a third class unit. The 42nd was in the Baltic in 1916 until December 1917 when it was transferred to France. In 1918 it was engaged in the Battle of Lys as well as the battle of Champagne. At the end of the war it was in a position opposite American troops. I believe that your grip strap marking should be read as, 138th Infantry Regiment, Machine Gun Company, weapon number 321. In 1913 all weapons in a company were supposed to be property marked. This would include everything from P08s and Gew98s down to bayonets. I believe that the system was such that weapon number 322 in your case could have been a bayonet and 320 could have been a heavy machine gun. I have often wondered if a pistol, we'll say your 1913 P08, would have been given the same number as the Reichs Revolver it probably replaced in 1913 or 1914. I think that would make sense. We look forward to your photos. Did you perchance get to the Chantilly gun show this past weekend?