Found this WWII picture.

[FL-NC]

Thought you guys would like it as much as I do. It's not just a picture of some bad*ss paratroopers, it's what they have.

View attachment 1004227

We always called those crash axes. I have seen them in US aircraft, but I can't remember which one(s) or where. Maybe some aviation guys will chime in.

 

[tommy.duncan]

My grandfather on Tarawa Island. (Top row left)

 

[Acropolis5]

British glider-borne troops. That’s hard core.

What , indeed, are those quarter-pike looking weapons? Can’t say that I’ve seen them before.

I have 2 of those axes which I purchased decades ago for about $10 each. Mine have solid axe head , no cutout and straight picks. Same insulated handle. They were standard aircraft rescue axes in both military bombers & transports and civilian airliners , in many Western countries. Until recently, I kept them in our cars , along with a folding shovel, 2’ crowbar, hacksaw with round multipurpose blade, 50’ climbing rope, some handtools reflector triangles, fire extinguisher , etc.+ 72hr. pack and accessories.

Most recently, I replaced those crash axes with their modern upgrade, the Ontario SPAX-16 tool. It weighs in at 2lb, with nylon sheath’ All the best features of the old axe, except the long rubber handle being reduced in size, along with added. improvements. Main improvement is an oddly shaped cutout on the blade which can be used to open- close house gas & water cocks , as well as opening and closing fire hydrants. Ability to use the top as a makeshift shovel and restored curve to pick, allows manholes to be lifted. It is a GREAT survival tool. In an urban emergency , a SPAX 16, 4-way silcock key, 8” Knipex hard wire cutter, 50-100’ of 550 or 750 cord ( or 1000lb. flar nylon tape ), 10- 20’ flat roll Gorilla Tape, a LM Wave Tool. ( optionally add a Gerber LMF II insulated sheath knife) , leather/ nomex gloves, goggles, N-95 masks, and XCaper smoke mask , should rescue you and allow you to escape most urban perils and still be packable, without an unreasonable weight penalty.

NOTE WELL: Many outlets sell the SPAX-16 tool, AT WIDELY VARYING PRICES, sometimes without the sheath . I got the best ( delivered ) price from Amazon Prime, ~$75. YMMV. But they are truly a wonder tool. Standard disclaimer , I have no affiliation with the manufacturer or any seller.

P.S. The SPAX-16 is standard issue on Marine 1.

 

[Acropolis5]

Oh, and Google or buy one of the several books & and view the History Channel episode of “ Greatest Raids” on the British “Ox and Bucks” infantry raid to seize the Danville and companion Bridge ( now renamed the Pegasus and Horsa Bridges) on D-Day by several glider borne chalks. Arguably one of the finest raids and outstanding dead stick flying , of the war. Every bit the equal of the US Rangers at Point-Du-Hoc and the Brit raid on the French dry dock that succeeded in preventing German Pocket Battle Ships from sortieing into the North Atlantic and attacking convoys.

 

[Meeks36]

The term they don’t makem like they used to rings true even with people.
My great uncle landed on Normandy beach. Never knew until after his death. Never talked about about. Never seen him loose his temper. Had a colostomy bag due to injuries during war.
Big thank you to all the vets past, present, and future.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Have you ever wondered why so many combat veterans are some of the most easy going people that you will meet? Most never loose their temper or show anger unless pushed past a point. The reason is the Monster.
===========
The Monster

I am not afraid of the monsters in the night or what they want to do to me.

What I fear is the monster within me. It wants to walk in my world and I can not let that happen again.

God rest the souls of the men that have met my monster.

GySgt. G.L. Bihm USMC
============

 

[lemaymiami]

That "monster" is part of who we are... most will never know that and live their entire lives peacefully - God bless them..

 

[hso]

We've wandered away from the OP.