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Description: | 1. M.P.18,I.
2. THEODOR BERGMANN ABT. WAFFENBAU SUHL1.
3. 1st K.L.S.I. G24061
The Maschinen-Pistole 18,I can lay claim to being the first true submachine-gun: ie a hand portable, fully automatic firearm, chambered for a pistol cartridge. The key to the development of such weapons was the use of pistol ammunition (which was of much lower power than rifle cartridges), permitting the use of the "blowback" principle. In this system an unlocked bolt is driven rearwards by the pressure of a cartridge case upon firing. This movement extracts and ejects the spent case, while compressing a return-spring which then forces the bolt back to the breech. This forward movement, after stripping the next cartridge from the magazine, chambers and fires it.
Development of the MP18 began in 1916, the designer being Hugo Schmeisser. Issue to troops in the field commenced in the summer of 1918. Manufacture was carried out by Theodor Bergmann Waffenbau AG of Suhl. 30-35,000 were made, although only about a third of these appear to have been issued prior to the cessation of hostilities.
This weapon was captured on 17 October 1918, by 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. As part of 6th Division they played a leading role in the British 4th Army's attack on this the first day of the Battle of the Selle. The attack was successful, although German resistance was stiff and the Battalion incurred 25% casualties.
Captured on 17/Oct/1918 in attack from Vaux-Andigny (nr Bohain) against German first line of defence.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Theodor Bergmann Waffenbau AG, Suhl, Germany | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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