Steve Dean Painting :: View topic - WWII US Paratroopers

Steve · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:46 am Post subject: WWII US Paratroopers - Company

I'm painting a US Airborne Company.
Right - I know the platoon set up, but all I could find out about the Company HQ is '2 Officers and 27 Men'
Who were the 27 Men - how were they armed etc?
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Steve

seansdaddy · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:50 am Post subject:

who were the 27 men, well there was wullie p, colin and big joe, paddy an bob, one of em had a bat the other had a gun one had a tin of beans and his wifes scones,
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Dunk · Veteran Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

Steve

I'll dig out my Iron Ivan supplement in an hour or so for you when I go home for lunch...

From memory though, for '44 onwards in Europe a Rifle section will be a 10 man squad - one or two NCOs with Tommy guns, 2 GIs with a BAR, and the rest with M1 Carbines.

Steve · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:37 am Post subject:

I'm ok with sections and platoons etc.... it's just when it gets to the Company HQ part.

I'm guessing they would be runners, medics and the like?
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Steve

Dunk · Veteran Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

OK

Will update when I get home at lunch

Dunk · Veteran Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

Ah, just noticed you're on about company command...

I've only got lists up to platoon HQ level.

Sorry

Diomedes · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject:

The official rifle company of 1944 HQ had:
1 Captain
1 1st Lieutenant
1 1st Sargeant
2 Sergeants
11 Privates

Total company strength 119 men and 8 officers

Steve · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tom - What about earlier?
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Steve

Diomedes · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject:

This is what they would in theory use to invade Normandy.

Sorry no idea what was earlier. What time are you looking for?
Before Normandy they had only 2 rifle sections in each platoon so a company would be considerably smaller.

Steve · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:14 pm Post subject:

No worries - I've found the info.
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Steve

David H · Master Supporting Member Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 126

Its not Airborne but a Rifle company HQ had the following:

1 x Captain (commanding officer)
1 x Lieutenant

1 x 1st Sergeant
1 x Mess Sergeant
1 x Mess Sergeant
1 x Transport Sergeant
1 x Corporal - Company Clerk

1 x Armourer
1 x Bugler
3 x Cooks
1 x Cooks Helper
1 x Truck Driver
1 x Mechanic
2 x Orderlies
9 x Basic Soldiers - not sure of weapons

It might give some insight.

krom1415 · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

Would there not be a bazooka team, and 30 cal team or two and a mortar team in a company as well.
It would be a bit strange if they had no heavy fire power.

David H · Master Supporting Member Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 126

A Rifle company would have its own mortars, bazookas and LMG's, the Company HQ was more administrative, whilst the HQ Company would have its own anti tank, bazooka and LMG elements too.

krom1415 · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 2:46 pm Post subject:

Cheers David,
Steve could you post your findings when you get time

David H · Master Supporting Member Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 126

This link gives some very useful info, and includes other nations too:

http://www.bayonetstrength.150m.com/toe/ParaMarine/us%20parachute%20company.htm