MG08

[Mark Finneran]

There is some excellent period imagery of captured material. Although many show the 'captured trophy' as seen in the MG08/15 thread.

 

 

Edited 31 December , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[trenchtrotter]

5 hours ago, Mark Finneran said:

 

I think there is a trench armour thread on GWM but could not find it? Any ideas?

 

I typed "German Body Armour" into search and found it as top topic returned.

 

Regards

 

TT

[Mark Finneran]

Captured or damaged MG08

Edited 31 December , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[Mark Finneran]

More AA

Edited 30 December , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[Mark Finneran]

Anti Aircraft set ups.

Edited 30 December , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[Mark Finneran]

Anti Aircraft configurations as expected are many. Unit armourer examples, service issue but all very imaginative!!  This one shows the standard trench mount set up.

Edited 30 December , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[Mark Finneran]

MG08

Edited 3 August , 2017 by Mark Finneran
MG08

[Mark Finneran]

Nice image of a standard MG08 gun crew.  The 'unusual' badge has caused comment before so if anyone is aware what it is please say. We know it is not a Minenwerfer qual/istr badge.

 

Edited 3 August , 2017 by Mark Finneran

[Mark Finneran]

Edited 3 August , 2017 by Mark Finneran
MG08

[mg34_dan]

I just stumbled on the site while looking for some information on MG08 Indirect Sight Directors.  I'm sure some here would appreciate seeing my 1914 Spandau MG08.  She's fully function and legally registered.  I have her mounted on a reproduction Polish handmade sled.  This setup works just fine.

 

[Mark Finneran]

Dan nice items. What info are you looking for on indirect fire sights? I can possibly help with some imagery and manual info.

Mark

[mg34_dan]

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 22:09, Mark Finneran said:

Dan nice items. What info are you looking for on indirect fire sights? I can possibly help with some imagery and manual info.

Mark

I have one that appears to have Turkish writing on it and was wondering about it.  Dolf Goldsmith is a personal friend and I showed it to him.  He has also never seen another like it.  If you, or anyone else, is interested in seeing it, I will gladly post some pictures.

Edited 25 February , 2017 by mg34_dan

[Grovetown]

On 4/3/2016 at 12:21, Grovetown said:

Herewith an MG emplacement as currently recreated at the Remembering 1916 exhibition at Whitgift School in Croydon at the moment.

http://www.remembering1916.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

[Mark Finneran]

Apologies for PHOTOBUCKET imagery due to a change in policy.  These will be systematically replaced. Thanks for your patience.

Mark

 

 

[Mark Finneran]

[Mark Finneran]

[Mark Finneran]

[Mark Finneran]

I will slowly replace the MG08 photobucket imagery that is no longer visible. Here are some of the relic/dug up deactivated 08's with some accessories. Some were purchased incomplete or in very poor condition so after locating missing pieces they have been 're-built'.  Understandably some collectors say leave ''as is'' but had they not been re-built, rust arrested and then painted with preservative paint then they would be lost forever. 

More details to follow but the beauty of this image, for those interested in detail, it shows three 'generations' of sled mounts  across the chest rail of the drag fixings.

[Mark Finneran]

[Mark Finneran]

MG08 now brought up to date with removal of photoshop imagery. 

[Mark Finneran]

Good side view of the legs raised and ZF12 in use.

[Mark Finneran]

One of the best images I have seen of the MG08 team along with their MG horse carriage set up. Good view of the early MG ammo boxes.

[Mark Finneran]

More views of one of the relics, but showing the water jacket armoured casing. I continue to look for a better condition example but they are hard to find. Period imagery confirms that its use in defensive positions was 50/50. As an area weapon its use does not do much to hinder the traverse, but it is heavy, and all good soldiers generally dispense with things that are heavy!!  As with the many types of outer shields or the inner shield. The essential item always seems to be the front armoured plate for the front of the water jacket, as shown here too.

It is obvious however that as the primary use of the MG08 was interlocking fire in defence, the chances of side on damage were greater so in well prepared defensive positions this item comes into its own. 

[Michael Haselgrove]

Mark,

The last photograph you posted reminded me of one in my collection which may interest you.

Regards,

Michael.

[Mark Finneran]

Michael excellent photo and thanks for contributing. Wish I had one of those carts!!! Just think how many were taken into French and Belgian 'farm service' after the war!!!