Chauchat

[Darrell]

Ian at Forgotten Weapons takes a critical look at the WWI Chauchat automatic rifle, often derided as the world's worst gun:

https://www.full30.com/video/5933a44c27 ... 9cde11261c

You might even learn a thing or two.

[Steamforger]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

[Greg]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

They used anything they could get. *Anything*. Which often meant German-pattern gear, as there was surplus available, and factories in former German-occupied countries set up to make the stuff. (Like the Czech Messerschmitts.)

[Aesop]

Chauchat - {n.} Fr. 1. litter box truffle; chau = "turd" + chat= "cat"
ex. "Regardez! Chauchat en le sol"
2. Zenith of WWI French small arms design; regularly hurled into Hun trenches loaded
during assaults in hopes some dumb German sonuvabitch would attempt to pick it up and use it, a calamity
greater than which no other was possible, save for snorting a lungful of mustard gas. When this ploy failed,
it was foisted on the hapless minions of the AEF instead.

[Netpackrat]

Good video. I'd previously heard from a guy who helped rewat a couple of them, that they didn't necessarily suck so bad in the original caliber.

[skb12172]

Ah, the old "Chat Chat." Of historical interest, at least. At least...

[skb12172]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

They used anything they could get. *Anything*. Which often meant German-pattern gear, as there was surplus available, and factories in former German-occupied countries set up to make the stuff. (Like the Czech Messerschmitts.)

Hell, according to Herman Wouk, in the early 60s, they were still using Sherman tanks and Mustangs.

[skb12172]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

My old man was telling me about that, but he couldn't remember what it was called (he's 83). Do you remember the title?

[Steamforger]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

My old man was telling me about that, but he couldn't remember what it was called (he's 83). Do you remember the title?

Above and Beyond. It was pretty damned good actually. Lots of interviews with the guys that put the Air Force together and the lengths they went to to dodge the US and UK in doing it while still putting ordnance on the Arabs.

[Steamforger]

I'm watching a documentary on Netflix about the '48 Arab-Israeli war and the creation of the Israeli Air Force through a volunteer group and a lot of smuggling. I've seen at least 2 Chauchats in footage. Interesting to note they were still in use by nearly 1950.

They used anything they could get. *Anything*. Which often meant German-pattern gear, as there was surplus available, and factories in former German-occupied countries set up to make the stuff. (Like the Czech Messerschmitts.)

I would be shocked, shocked I tell you, if a few didn't turn up in Vietnam as well.