Training of Flemish SS Volunteer's MG Crew (part 1)

Recruits, either Germans, racial Germanic types or of Nordic stock, entering the Waffen-SS underwent a very rigorous training programme designed by the SS authorities to produce very efficient fighting material. This photograph show Flemish volunteers undergoing field training as a two-man machine gun crew. Here, the No.2, armed with a Luger pistol, awaits the moment to dash forward to his next position. The Maschinengewehr 40 (MG 40) was carried by the gunner, the No.1, whilst spare ammunition, contained in its carrying case, and an extra machine gun barrel, carried in a special metal container, were both carried by the No.2