MG 08

[MG1918]

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[MG1918]

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[MG1918]

[MG1918]

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[MG1918]

[OldBill]

What a pleasant way to wake up and start the day! Thanks for starting this thread, I have enjoyed it. As a kid I recall seeing an MG08 at the local county courthouse. It's back at the local VFW now. FWIW, for the US members here, talk to your local VFW and American Legion members, and see what their Post has. Just in my small county I know we have items from the Revolution, ACW, and every conflict since. MG08, MG13, 5 cm leGrW 36, and some dozens of varying rifles. Don't be fooled by a Post's size, even the smaller Post's often have a good little museum, as a population shifts and ages, it may have fewer members, but a huge amount of history.
Years ago I was reading a magazine article (I cannot recall which one) where someone was attempting to sell the US M60 to a member of the Ethiopian DOD (for lack of a better term) and after the demonstration and pitch, was laughed at. The Ethiopian General told him "That's not a machine gun. THIS is a machine gun, and pointed to an old MG08. This was btw, long before "Crocodile Dundee", so it didn't come from there.
Looking forward to more!

[MG1918]

Glad to be of service! You are right the US in WWI seem to have been 'very enthusiastic' in their 'bring back' effort - indeed I read somewhere about a small US Army section and its officers who were specifically tasked with collection of items.....what a great job!!! This is not a criticism of the US WWI war effort as indeed it shortened the war, and the US suffered too many casualties too, but considering the duration in battle the amount retrieved/recovered was enormous, in the thousands. When I have time I must do some research as the war trophy story for the British Commonwealth would be an interesting one as well. Here are some images you may find interesting DURKOPP made bikes and sewing machines!

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[MG1918]

[OldBill]

How many degrees of traverse did this mount have? Could it swing free? I am used to US ship mounted MG's, and Tripods on shore.

[MG1918]

No more than 60 deg max. I will check the manuals for the exact traverse. The wings of the sled side plates restrict the movement of the MG itself. It was never designed for nimble agility and the image below clearly shows its proper use - hence the killing power on the Somme in July. Although devastating one can only admire the professionalism of the German machine gunners operating across each others front. From Imperial German Regimental records the 08 was rarely used as a direct weapon on its sled. Much more flexibility on the trench mounts. As the 08/15 came along the 08 was either in emplacements (again interlocking) or 2nd line usage.

[MG1918]

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[MG1918]

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[MG1918]

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[LineDoggie]

Glad to be of service! You are right the US in WWI seem to have been 'very enthusiastic' in their 'bring back' effort - indeed I read somewhere about a small US Army section and its officers who were specifically tasked with collection of items.....what a great job!!! This is not a criticism of the US WWI war effort as indeed it shortened the war, and the US suffered too many casualties too, but considering the duration in battle the amount retrieved/recovered was enormous, in the thousands. When I have time I must do some research as the war trophy story for the British Commonwealth would be an interesting one as well. Here are some images you may find interesting DURKOPP made bikes and sewing machines!
MG (118).JPG

Initially the idea was to rechamber the Maxims for .30US and reuse them. Later many were given away to those who donated large amounts to various war bond drives and legion posts, etc. Typically the feed block had been removed or the belt shuttle tip broken off so the guns could not be fired

[MG1918]