description
Physical description
Patchett Machine Carbine Mk1, barrel does not protrude, fixed by 2 screws at muzzle, foresight has ears
Label
The Patchett Machine-Carbine was the forerunner of the Sterling sub-machine gun, which became the standard British sub-machine gun of the post-war era. Designed by George Patchett, the weapon incorporated advanced features, such as a pistol-grip situated at the weapon's point of balance, and helical ribs on the bolt, which helped keep the action free of dirt. Prototype versions, of which this is one, used the existing Sten Gun magazine, rather than the curved magazine that characterized later variants.
This particular weapon was issued for field trials in 1944, being carried in action by Lt Col Robert Dawson, commanding officer of 4 Commando. He was wounded on D Day, but returned to lead his unit during the capture the island of Walcheren in November 1944, Operation INFATUATE. 4 Commando was the first unit ashore on the island on 7 November.
Stamped on magazine housing
PATCHETT MACHINE CARBINE MK 1 No 078
