Topic: Gm - Bk - 605 MGC
German 605th Machine Gun Company (MGC)
War Diary, 24 June to 2 July 1916
The entries
24.VI.16:
Early today field firing, but since the ammunition boxes are too low, many cartridges were dented and in consequence there were many stoppages. After the firing several belts were overhauled and the damaged cartridges removed. This afternoon a German armourer arrived and watched the M. guns shooting and ascertained that the rifle oil from Germany was too thin and in consequence soon burnt out. We then got a thicker oil from the Turkish depot with which the machine guns shot very well. As the angle lever of all the locks worked too heavily they had to be adjusted. In several of the locks the mechanism failed as they did not come back.
25.VI.16:
This forenoon - testing 4 M. guns. In the afternoon a holiday for the Turks whilst the Germans do fatigues.
26.VI.16:
Battle practice early this morning, then instruction. In the afternoon refilling belts and a little drill in the evening.
27.VI.16:
Battle practice early this morning, then refilling of belts. In the afternoon M. gun practice.
28.VI.16:
Battle practice early this morning, then instruction. In the afternoon cartridges were put in belts by the Germans and the Turks had a holiday.
(Translation notes apparently a new "cartridge" was used.)
29.VI.16:
Battle practice early this morning, then refilling of belts. In the afternoon rifle cleaning in connection with ball practice with M. guns. Today we received 1 Turkish officer.
30.VI.16:
Holiday for the Turks. Germans had bathing. In the afternoon we had to fill cartridge belts.
I.VII.16:
Strength of company - 1 officer, 12 N.C.O.'s., 14 men; Turks - 1 officer and 75 O.R., including N.C.O.'s. Early this morning we paraded for inspection by His Excellency Djemal Pasha, commanding the 4th Turkish Army. In the afternoon packing up our pack chests for the impending expedition.
2.VII.16:
This morning battle practice and belt filling. In the afternoon practice shoot for the Turks.
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Further Reading:
German 605th Machine Gun Company (MGC) , Contents
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 605th Machine Gun Company War Diary, 24 June to 2 July 1916