Photos Italian rifles in use by partisans

[NebrHogger]

These Balkan partisans have quite a variety of weapons. Center front I see what appears to be a 6,5 caliber Italian Vetterli - which is a very poor choice for a fighting rifle. But if you're a partisan, you use what's available. With its length, it would at least be a good platform for the bajonet.

In the bottom image are seen at least 3 Italian Carcanos. Those came to Balkan partisans from weapons abandoned by Italian divisions when their king surrendered to the Allies in 1943.

 

[NebrHogger]

More unusual weapons - I believe these are Chetniks. First pic shows an American M1 carbine - the second has a Chauchat MG. Notice the straps that loop around the necks on the people to the right of the pic - those are Italian and hold Italian cartridge pouches.

 

[NebrHogger]

As long as I'm at it, here are more images of partisans from the Balkans area. Most are Chetniks.

 

[NebrHogger]

Top pic is Albanians near their capital. Man on the left has a Greek 1903/14 rifle - the other 2 have Italian Carcanos & other Italian gear. I believe the revolver shown is an Italian Bodeo in 10.3 caliber.

The man firing upward has an Italian Breda light MG. It was a horrible design using a feed strip. After a round was fired, it was replaced into the strip... the strip also needed to be doused with light oil for reliable feeding.

 

[BravoZulu]

Great stuff @NebrHogger and a lot of research there mate, BZ!