Thompson M1928 Sub-machine Gun : 2/21 Infantry Battalion

Model 1928 Thompson sub-machine gun. Frame stamped on the left side with US MODEL 1928 THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUN CALIBER .45 AUTOMATIC CARTRIDGE . The right side is very badly rust pitted and there are various patent dates with AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION BRIDGEPORT CONNECTICUT. U.S.A. It has an adjustable Lyman rear sight and the finned barrel is fitted with a Cutts compensator at the muzzle. The left side has a fire/safe lever and a full auto/ single lever. The wooden butt stock is detachable by a press stud on the top of the wrist and it has been repaired with a bolt throght the side. The fore grip has finger grooves on the front edge of the pistol grip. It is fitted with a drum magazine accessioned as REL/08310. Overall this gun is rust pitted and the wood work damaged.

This gun was used by personnel of the 2/21 Battalion during the defence of Ambon. After the surrender of the Australian Forces any abandoned weapons discovered by the natives were promptly buried as it was a capital offence to be found in possession of them. The Thompson was unearthed in the vicinity of Silale Village on the Latimore Peninsula, along with a rifle and bayonet, by a patrol of the 33rd Australian Infantry Brigade lead to the spot by the native who buried them. The rifle is apparently in the collection but the accession register states incorrectly that the number is RELAWM24248.