Original Caption: &quot;MELBOURNE, VIC. 1942-12-31. A CREW MEMBER OF A FREE FRENCH GUNBOAT HOLDS A 4.5 ANTI AIRCRAFT SHELL DURING GUNNERY PRACTICE.&quot;

The shell weighs 55 lb, the complete round weighs 87 lb. This shows the fixed ammunition in early use; from 1944 separate ammunition was introduced to reduce the load on the gunners.

Picture taken 31 December 1942(1942-12-31)
------------------------
Evillittlekenny

Loading the guns

Sidi-Ahmed base, Tunisia, july 1944.
These mechanics are reloading the machineguns of a curtis P40 delivered by the Americans and belonging to the fighter group GC II/5 "Lafayette" led by commandant Arnaud. Note the insignia of the unit, the head of native american warrior.

Reloading the guns

Vosges region, France, september 1944.
French ambulance girls belonging to the medical section of the RBFM (armored marines regiment) of the 2nd Armored Division having a meal. As usual they are wearing the american combat uniform with french navy headgear. They were nicknamed "marinettes".