Mad Mantis Blog: WWII reenactor Grif Sava - I tried paraphrasing this but it just didn't do his writing justice. It's a bit long but fascinating in its detail. Description of this soldier by Grif Sava - The 45th Infantry division "Thunderbirds” SOUTH OF FRANCE, AUGUST 1944 After the meat grinder of Anzio, the 45th was pulled off the line to reequip prior to the second invasion of France. Now he carries his entrenching tool (a new folding variety) and bayonet (shortened to 10 inches) on his cartridge belt. His canteen is now a later production model with a black Bakelite cap and darker OD #7 carrier. His gas mask is now the lightweight M6 model that has completely replaced the earlier kidney type, the masks were often thrown away but the bag was kept to carry personal items. Most troops stopped carrying the haversack altogether and only used their pockets and the gasmask bag. Months of combat has taught this Thunderbird that “light is right”. Even for the invasion he has unclipped his haversack from his belt so it could be quickly ditched. Folded under the flap is his raincoat in regulation fashion. The grenade he carries is now painted OD. He also now carries a semi standard load-out of 176 rounds of ammunition in his cartridge belt and two bandoleers. His helmet liner has been replaced after the Anzio campaign with the high pressure variety, although he has removed the leather liner chinstrap. Around his waist he wears a navy issue lifebelt that could be inflated by two Co2 cartridges near the buckle. He has removed the American flag armband for camouflage reasons although most of his comrades would not. His field jacket is the older M41 style that he has carried for most of the war, it will be replaced by the newer model in October or November. The 45th did receive the new combat boots, commonly referred to as double buckle boots. These were designed to replace service shoes and completely do way with the cumbersome leggings. #portraits #wwii #wwiireenactment #wwiireenactor #whitebackground #newwork