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, with his 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 be desired. However
following the start of the 'static war
phase' most of the combat was during the
night, and included patrols, raids and defending
against attacks. The type of fighting involved
was therefore up close and personal, and in those
conditions the Owen was excellent. I am not aware
of any ammunition problems during those two
years, certainly none where a bullet failed to
enter a body from close quarters. The Bren was a
superior weapon but had two disadvantages in this
type of work, it was very heavy and needed two
men to man it properly and it was cumbersome in
close order operations. ie. In trenches or
fighting pits.
When attached to the DLI for a
time, my Brit cobbers would ask for a loan of my
Owen quite often if I were not going out with
them on some job. Our American buddies would pay
handsomely for one when we were with the 7th Cav
and 3 id. Actually keeping them from being
pinched was a full time task.
Well it's time to earn the
pay lads, some going to work whilst the others
house-sit.
