Eindhoven 2011, pics of the 101st
Here are some pictures of the 101st Airborne Division taken during their stay in
Holland. It is interesting to note that the whole division was clad in the new M43
utilities. Note that all the trousers were modified by adding large thigh pockets.
These pockets were made of heavy duck canvas taken from new rolls of fire-retarded
heavy od canvas. Contrary to common belief, there were no duffel bags or squad tents
cut up for this. The rigger company was tasked with modifying the jump pants.
In addition to the pockets, a strap was added to the inside of the leg, in order
to secure the pocket tight to the leg. First these straps were the same webbing tape
as was used for the M42 jump pants, later on the same technique was used as the 82nd
AB by folding over a strip of the heavy duck canvas sewn along the length.
There was no distinction between the uniform of the paratroopers and the glider riders,
save for the helmets with the jump liners for the former and regular helmets for
the latter.
While on the subject of helmets, the 101st used two distinctive helmet nettings.
The netting with the 1/2 inch mesh was the same they used in Normandy, these were
sometimes fastooned with strips of burlap to brake up the shape of the helmet, a
practice rarely seen in Holland. The many replacements that came in after the Normandy
campaign were issued the smaller mesh British made helmet nets.
Also typical to the 101st were the brown felt pads that were used with the suspenders,
still used by some during the Holland campaign, and occasionally the paper gas brassard
is worn. New to this operation was the bright yellow triangular marker. Of British
design and manufacture, this was issued to the airborne troops to be used as identification
panels. These were sometimes worn as a scarf.The majority of the paratroopers used
the M5 assault gas mask, easily identified by its rubberized bag. The light weight
gasmask was on regular issue to the glider troops and HQ personnel.
The Troopers
Pictured here are the paratroopers that just came into the town of Eindhoven and
were welcomed by the overjoyed population of that city. Some pictures were taken
later in the campaign, on the “island”. Note their appearance and equipment. In two
pictures can be seen the barrel/muzzle with bipod of the newly issued M1919A6 Browning
machine gun.
The Medics
With these paratroopers came the unsung heroes, the medics. Some medics jumped with their fellow worriers carrying the bare medical equipment, others came by glider with extra supplies and even ambulance jeeps! Chaplains also accompanied the paratroopers and were protected by the Red Cross armband as being non-combatants.
The Gliders
Extra men and materiel was brought by glider. These Waco CG4A gliders could bring in a jeep or a 1/4 ton trailer, small artillery pieces or a 57mm anti-tank gun, and ammunition plus other supplies. Along with the supplies came the glider men of the 327th GIR, who were finally recognized for being just as aggressive as the parachute troopers.
Proving their mettle in Normandy, the boys were given the highly prized jump boots and a special glider badge for recognition, along with extra hazard pay. The first picture will prove that that hazard pay was rightfully earned!
The men flying these flimsy aircraft were 2nd lieutenants from the USAAF. Without special infantry training (unlike their British counterparts), these boys were left to themselves after hitting down. Clad in the M43 uniform (the trousers without the thigh pockets), they, too, were armed to the teeth.
The Cushman
Besides the numerous jeeps carried into combat, there was one odd little transportation vehicle used by the Airborne troops: The Cushman Scooter. This little motor driven bike was used for liaisons tasks or quick personal transport by whoever needed it. (I’m not saying it was used for joyrides!)
The PressWith the 101st Division jumped, or glided in, some personnel from the Signal Corps to document the actions of the 101st AB Division. These cameramen were issued the same combat suit as the troopers, but in addition to their personal weapons, they carried either a still camera or a movie camera. Usually they could be recognized by their “official cameraman” patch sewn on their right shoulder or lower right sleeve.
The Prisoners
Picured here are some of the Krauts that were taken prisoner. The Germans were searched and than marched off to temporary prison cages.
The Liberated
The people of Holland were overjoyed by this sudden liberation. Suprised that that their liberators were American, the Dutch adopted the GI’s right on the spot and closed them in their hearts forever. Everybody wanted have their picture taken with these handsome young worriers, and the young Americans just couldn’t get enough of the polite kids, who all spoke English!
And, off course, the cigarettes and D-bars were very much appreciated!
