Getting ready for night patrol, Owen gun leaning against bunker at left, Bren underfoot at right, two more Owens descernible further on behind the right man's legs. The lad wearing a flak jacket, withhis back to camera, also has a 36 mill grenade hooked on his belt, probably one of two, and the lad on the left is just putting on his night-caller blackface.

With regards to use of the Owen in Korea, for long range work it left much to bedesired. However, after the UN drove the Chinese back out of South Korea and the start of the 'static war phase' most of thecombat was during the night, and included patrols, raids and defendingagainst attacks. The type of fighting involved was therefore up close andpersonal, and in those conditions the Owen was excellent. I am not awareof any ammunition problems during those two years, certainly none where abullet failed to enter a body from close quarters. The Bren was a superiorweapon but had two disadvantages in this type of work, it was very heavyand needed two men to man it properly and it was cumbersome in close orderoperations. ie. In trenches or fighting pits.

When attached to the DLI for a time, my Brit cobbers would ask for a loanof my Owen quite often if I were not going out with them on some job. OurAmerican buddies would pay handsomely for one when we were with the 7thCav and 3 id. Actually keeping them from being pinched was a full timetask.

Well it's time to earn the pay lads, some going to work whilst the others house-sit.