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4.2 Chemical Mortar and Jeep Question... 87th Chemical Mortar Bn "Wire Gang," crew composition, etc.


Garandomatic
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Garandomatic

Given the fact that I now have time on my hands, I am getting back to finishing a vignette in 1/35 scale to display with a favorite uniform of mine. Joe Hochman was a Tech 4 with the 87th Chemical Mortar Battalion (Utah Beach on D-Day!), and I was able to purchase his uniform a few years ago from the family. They wouldn't part with the photo album, but were gracious enough to take photos of each page. My goal is to make a small diorama featuring a Willys Jeep and trailer with the driver interacting with members of a mortar crew.

 

In the attached photo, Hochman captioned the picture "My wire gang" and gave the last names of the fellows. If this is his wire gang, what would that make him? A gun crewman, forward observer, maybe the guy on the field phone at the gun? Could be, as he was a Tech 4... Any theories are welcome while I compose this.

 

In regards to the Mortar... I found a 1/35 kit for a proper WWII mortar, but haven't found any good 4.2 ammo. Not sure how I will overcome that obstacle. Does anybody have a 4.2 crate that they can measure? I may try to make a few crates.

 

Also, the attached picture is as clear as I can make it... There is, of course, a large spool attached either to the rear of the jeep or the trailer. Anybody ever see a similar rig that I could check out to try to copy? I could make my jeep depicting an earlier scene and just have a few spools in the trailer or jeep, but I like the look of it.

 

Anybody got a guess as to what the mass of webbing might be on the hood in front of the windshield? I may very well lay the windshield flat for Normandy, but if I can incorporate any details, I will.

post-9670-0-61478900-1585406910_thumb.jpg

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Garandomatic

For good measure, here is a photo of a 4.2 emplacement from the album as well. Any comments about this are welcome, might point out something I would miss if there are any 4.2 fanatics out there.

post-9670-0-99786600-1585407126_thumb.jpg

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Garandomatic

I believe that this is Hochman himself, looks very much like the photos that I know are of him. Looks like he's got a 1911 on his hip, though it might be one of the ubiquitous captured Lugers and P38s in some kind of modified/customized issue holster!

 

Anybody want to speculate if this is in France or Germany, given the architecture visible?

post-9670-0-09855100-1585407506_thumb.jpg

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pararaftanr2

This might help a little, hopefully.

I'm probably way off, but the item on the hood looks like an assault gas mask bag, possibly?

 

 

post-9787-0-09815600-1585472908_thumb.jpg

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I was just looking at an ordnance publication maybe from the school and they are training with that spool. Im trying to find it to help you out.

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  • 3 years later...

Garandomatic, 

May I send you a PM about the 87th Chemical ? I search to identify a soldier possibly from the "D" Co. 

 

Thanks ! 

 

T.O

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I would vote for France for photo #2, because of the WW1 barbed wire "pig-tail" post being used for some purpose.  I have never seen one in Germany photos.

illinigander

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15 hours ago, illinigander said:

I would vote for France for photo #2, because of the WW1 barbed wire "pig-tail" post being used for some purpose.  I have never seen one in Germany photos.

illinigander

I don't think so. Look at the M1 helmet being worn in the background.

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