WW2 Paratroopers

[Mike B]

Slightly off the direct line of enquiry - but Nos 1 and 6 Cdo who participated in Torch Landings were - I was told by veterans - issued with US Helmets as the Vichy French were thought less inclined to fight to the death against Americans given the British sinking of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kabir two years earlier.
No.1 Cdo were issued with the US Garand rifle (I believe for Torch) - they were impressed with the weapon and one veteran attributed success at Kangaw - Hill 170 - in Burma - partly to its efficiency.
Mike