Reichsrevolver at Vimy Ridge

[Clotho]

I was reminded by the picture of the day thread that yesterday was the anniversary of Vimy Ridge.

I thought some of you might be interested in this Reichsrevolver that I have been able to trace back to that battle.

The backstrap of the grip is stamped with German regimental markings.
74.A.E.2.33 means 2. Ersatz (replacement) Batterie (battery) of the Feld Artillerie Regiment Nr. 74 (field artillery regiment No.74) Revolver Nr. 33
Which is also known as: Torgauer Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 74
The other stamp would be correct with l.M.II.74.4 for leichte Munitionskollonne der II Abteilung des Feld Artillerie Regiments 74 Revolver Nr.4
which would be the artillery column that would have supplied the field artillery regiment.

I was fortunate to find this link of the Detailed Fighting Calendar of Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 74

This is interesting: Note: The success and size of raids / attacks are as told in the regimental history. The nationality of the enemy is sometimes specified as Scottish or South-African, but the Canadians that took Vimy Ridge in April 1917 seem to be classified as "Engländer". I have used "British" when nationality was not specified.

Further detail of the fighting specifically at Vimy Ridge can be found here: Trench Warfare near Lens. 25.10.16—7.8.17 (Hill 70, Vimy Ridge)

These are the notes specifically for the 9th - 13th

9.4.17 Repulse British raid on own sector, however British attack south of Regiment's sector is successful
11.—13.4.17 Because of British successes the Regiment moves to positions in St. Auguste, on the road St. Auguste-Loison, on the road Vendin le Vieil-Salaumines, and in Vendin le Vieil
12.4.17 Germans leave Vimy Ridge

I was able to find this map of the battle:

Would anyone know or know how to figure out where the German 'Hill 70' might have been located?

 

[JimDO]

Interesting bit of history with this revolver,, thanks.
Sorry aside from google, no idea how to find that hill.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

gotta love a revolver with a saftey, Nice piece, thank you for sharing!

 

[Recce21]

Just because the Regiment was there doesn't mean the pistol was

 

[jbmauser]

Great revolver and very nice pics!

 

[Clotho]

Just because the Regiment was there doesn't mean the pistol was

'There are few guarantees in life, there are even fewer in war.'

You are absolutely correct. There is no way to guarantee that this particular revolver was there on that day.

There is also no way to guarantee that this revolver was present at the Somme or Flanders or any of the other battlefields' where the torgauer feldartillerie-regiment nr. 74 fought.
It was on the wrong side of that war of course. I am very happy to think that it gets to shoot only paper now.

Still. It is regimental marked and reasonably worn.

I would be lying to you if I promised that I would be happy to know everything it might have witnessed...

 

[Recce21]

The only firearms you can prove where they came from have capture papers to back them up. I have a Spandau MG08 with Canadian Capture paint on the water jacket "Captured by 3 canadian Division: 8 8 18 Send to: The Toronto Regiment". It is also listed in the captured guns records as being taken by the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Canadian Division on Aug 8 1918 during the Battle of Arras on the North end of Beaucourt. The online war diary for the Toronto Regiment paints the rest of the picture and confirms their location at that date.