German Sappenpanzer trench armor question...

[MarkMcM]

Hello All,

I recently stumbled upon a German Sappenpanzer chest plate.  Discussing the find with an “old-timer” collector friend, he indicated that it was a relatively common thing for machine gunners to remove the lower scale segments to lighten the arrangement, and thinking about it, it seems to make sense given the % of above-trench line upper body exposure machine gunners would be presenting.  Has anyone else encountered this anecdote?  Or even better, seen photographic evidence of this field modification? 

[RedNek]

Mark, Considering how the machine gun firing position contorted the body, I would say that this anecdote has traction in the "believable " realm of explanations. Also to be considered, was how the MG was positioned along the trench line. The users lower body was usually below the soil, thus no requiring the protection of the lower plates.