WWI / WWII small arms marked with “M” were issued to the Navy or “Kriegsmarine.” This particular example has WWI Kreigsmarine markings on its backstrap. “S/42” denotes production in the Mauser factory. These pre-WWII pistols were finished exceptionally well.

No, they didn’t. Although the German’s typically had more pistols issued than other contemporary armies. The standard Schutze/Soldat/Grenadier commonly carried a K98K from 1935 to 1945, however there were some exceptions, for example.

It was sought after by many allied soldiers for its sleek, unique look and accuracy, but more as a keepsake than as a practical weapon. It’s unique design and connection to Germany made it a valuable souvenir to bring home, much like Nazi flags, and pickelhaubes before them.

Wiktionary. luger(Noun) Someone who competes in the luge. Luger(Noun) A German semiautomatic pistol used by their troops in both World Wars.

Walther P-38

Mauser C-96

In the European theater, 93,941 Americans were held as prisoners of war (POWs). However, American POWs interned by Germany’s ally, Japan, were protected by no such restraints; of the 27,465 Americans captured in the Pacific, 11,107 would not return home, a death rate of over 40%.

Japanese imperial forces employed widespread use of torture on prisoners, usually in an effort to gather military intelligence quickly. Tortured prisoners were often later executed.

The inventive POW cooks made meals of fried spam on bread, toast with prune spread and hot chocolate made from chocolate that arrived in the parcels for Sunday breakfast. Sunday lunch would be toast smeared with pate, goon soup and coffee.

The treatment of American and allied prisoners by the Japanese is one of the abiding horrors of World War II. Prisoners were routinely beaten, starved and abused and forced to work in mines and war-related factories in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions.