Issuing of combat knives

[Eddy.502]

I was just wondering if infantry soldiers in ww2 were issued knives such as Pal knives before the m3 was issued. We're all soldiers issued knives or did they have to procure them themselves. Thanks

[bayonetman]

In general, issued knives were based on what job you did. Unit Tables of Organization and Equipment listed what would be issued to each member of the unit.

 

Infantry soldiers generally were issued rifles, and carried the bayonet. They normally were not issued a knife since they had a bayonet, and if they wanted to carry a knife they usually had to provide their own. Many infantry soldiers did carry knives which they purchased, traded for, had sent from home or "moonlight requisitioned".

 

Other combat classifications were often issued a knife such as the M3. If the M3 was not available they might be issued another knife such as the 5 or 6 inch "hunting knife" or the like as a substitute. Engineers and others involved in work of that nature might have been issued the Cattaraugus or Case "Q" knife.

[Eddy.502]

Thanks Gary