German Bayonet
Description
Thomas C. Farrow was imprisoned at German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft IV from July 1944 to February 1945 after his B-17 was shot down. The camp was evacuated 5 February 1945, and the prisoners were forced to march for 86 days covering 600 miles. He took the bayonet from a German soldier near the end of the war after his forced march.
I collect German WWI & WWII bayonets. The bayonet pictured is not a German Bayonet. I checked with the International Bayonet Association and It has been identified as a French Bayonet for the French 1898 Berthier bolt action rifle.. More than likely the rifle was captured by the Germans and re-issued to Rear Echelon Troops such as POW guards. This was pretty standard. This could be verified as the Germans would have, in most cases, have re-marked the bayonets with a 4 digit alpha-numeric XXX-(f). While this changes the country of origin It doesn’t change a great story.
Thank you for your insight. We will revisit the artifact and make any adjustments accordingly.
I have bayonet that looks just like this.
My grandfather brought back a German Bayonet, same like the one in that picture, but the one there is missing the Leather Scabbard/Sheath/Holder that has a belt loop, so when it is not on the weapon, it can be or was on the waist to be used as a knife or dagger..
What is interesting is that little indent, exactly 4cm up the blade is in same spot on mine.. I initially thought it was a defect or use related.. but have deduced after seeing that picture that it was probably made at same location or in same fashion, I.E. being placed in a vice, to tap in the handle, as there are no screws.
Of note, definitely a part of history.. and after all there years.. still in perfect condition and not a stitch out of place.. amazes me.
There should be a gallery that people can post pictures of items family members brought back from WWII. And the museum can arrange/itemize accordingly.
I thank my GF and all others for their service to Our Country!!