Weapons of World War II

A small exhibit featuring armaments used by American, German and Japanese forces during World War II is on view at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. The 12 weapons and related items include an American M1A1 carbine, a German P38 pistol and a Japanese Type 99 light machine gun. The exhibit, titled Weapons of World War II, will run until June 30, 2007, and admission is free.


From top: A Japanese Type 99 light machine gun, an American M1A1 carbine and a German P38 pistol.

The exhibit is divided into three sections: American, German and Japanese weapons. A few examples from each exhibit section follow.

American Weapons

M1A1 carbine – Airborne troops used a paratrooper version of the M1 carbine, a gun that made famous its innovator, David Marshall “Carbine” Williams, of Godwin, Cumberland County.

M1 Garand rifle – The semiautomatic M1 rifle has been called the greatest infantry weapon of World War II and a major reason for the Allied victory. An M1905 bayonet for the M1 Garand rifle and an M1923 cartridge belt used with the rifle appear in the exhibit as well.

M1918A2 Browning automatic rifle – The rifle has a 20-round magazine with a detachable bipod, which was often removed in combat to make the gun lighter.

M1928A1 Thompson submachine gun – Developed in the 1920s, the Thompson has often been associated with gangsters and FBI agents. The manufacturer called the 1928A1 the “Navy Model” because the U.S. Navy had ordered a number of the guns. Once modified, the Thompson saw considerable military use in World War II.

A 30th Infantry Division soldier (center) with an M1 carbine in France.

M98K Mauser – The Mauser was the standard German infantry weapon of World War II. The rifle in the exhibit was captured by Soviets, who stamped over the Nazi markings on it and later sent it to Vietnam for Communist insurgents to use during the Vietnam War. The gun was captured again and in 1972 was brought back as a souvenir by a U.S. Air Force officer stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.

Walther P38 pistol – The P38 replaced the more famous P08, commonly known as the Luger. Cheaper to manufacture than the Luger, the P38 performed very well.

German air force officer’s sword and scabbard – A soldier from Hudson, Caldwell County, brought home the sword and scabbard, usually worn only on ceremonial occasions.

Japanese Weapons

Type 99 light machine gun and Type 99 Arisake rifle – American soldiers captured the weapons on the Pacific island of Peleliu in 1944.

Type 30 bayonet with scabbard – The bayonet could be used on either a rifle or a light machine gun. It was captured at the Battle of Iwo Jima and brought home by a soldier from Gaston County.

“Knee” mortar – The grenade launcher received its nickname because it looked as if it should rest on the user’s knee when fired. Unfortunately, anyone who used this method found himself with a broken leg. The base of the launcher was actually placed on the ground or a tree limb for firing.

Stop by the N.C. Museum of History to see this new exhibit. Parking is free on weekends. For more information, call 919-807-7900.

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