oldgit Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 Given the huge amounts of .303 amo needed by an RAF bomber squadron for any given mission, I assume that it must have been delivered out to the aircraft in disintergating link belts, several hundred rounds long, packed in metal or wooden crates. Does anyone have any clear images of the crates/boxes that the ammo was transported in, or can you perhaps share any info regarding size and colour please? Thanks everyone, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Millman Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 Have some pics that might help. Drop me a pm with your email and I'll send them on to you. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Millman Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Thought this offer might help. Clearly not. I am unable to post the pics here as Photobucket no longer works for me. Sorry! Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesa Jussila Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Nick: Can you use Fotki? It's free service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Millman Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Never heard of it before but I'll check it out. Thanks Vesa! Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldgit Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share Posted August 31, 2013 Nick, Thanks very much for the e-mail of the great photos. I wouldn't want to be the one belting up all that ammo for a squadron, even with a machine, or loading it into all the aircraft. It brings a new meaning to hard work! I can only admire the ground crews that did all that work, in all weathers, time after time after time. Thanks again, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Knight Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 One of my uncles was in charge of some ground crew during the start of WW2. He had a number or 'erks who's only job [ it varied day to day who's turn it was] to put every single round through a hole in a piece of wood - to ensure they were good for use, and they wouldnt jam the guns. Good rounds were then belted up by others. I got a penance of belting rounds when in in the early 70s. Its boring, unless one has someone to chat to, and hands got soaked in oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldgit Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 I've belted .30 rounds into cloth belts and .5 rounds into links - by hand - no machine. 5 ball 1 tracer 5 ball 1 tracer 5 ball......... Not good for the hands, or the mind! Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 I've just picked a reference book (Lancaster - Britain's Iconic War-Winning Bomber) from a well-known high street shop.. There's a pic. in it showing armourers making belts of .303 ammunition - they seem to be fitting them into links taking rounds from a box. On the table are several coild belts. It's on page 79 if you're interested ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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