Battle Group Cremona - officer weapons

[keith A]

http://www.teveretv.it/media/1759/0966-balb.jpg

I believe this is a parade of the Gruppo Combattimento Cremona in 1945. Can anyone confirm these officers are carrying holstered Beretta 1934 rather than the standard British-issue pistol?

regards

Keith

[jwsleser]

Yes most likely M1934s. The Beretta stayed in service for quite a few years after the war. I own a M1934 made in 1940. It has the RE service stamps as well as a postwar EI refurbishment stamp (dated 1951 IIRC).

Many little things remained. Insignia, pistols, portaplumetti, portapenna, etc. to maintain the distinction of being Italian. The M1934 was popular in the RE and many officers preferred to keep theirs. Pistols were private purchase for officers and they carried both Italian and UK models. I will see what the books say about this.

Pista! jeff