Have seen threads and posts as to how some Russian Mosin Nagant rifles wound up in Japanese hands, so thought this might be of interest as to just how far back such occurred.
I have been plodding through five volume “Reports of (American) military observers in Manchuria” during the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese war. It is a very lengthy read I downloaded for free to my Kindle from: https://archive.org/details/reportsmilitary00stafgoog and http://digital.library.yale.edu/cdm/...d/68663/rec/19
Occassionally some Japanese troops were seen with Russian rifles. but after the battle of Mukden and the surrender of Port Arthur, transportation troops were issued captured Russian rifles which they strapped on back of the seats of horse drawn carts and etc..
The observers delved extensively into minutia on all aspects of the war, and this includes the use of the bayonet by both antagonists. The bayonet was not a show accessory and saw much use, especially so during night attacks when combat was very up close and personal. The Russian’s always had the bayonet attached to their rifles and no scabbards to be seen worn by soldiers.
I have been plodding through five volume “Reports of (American) military observers in Manchuria” during the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese war. It is a very lengthy read I downloaded for free to my Kindle from: https://archive.org/details/reportsmilitary00stafgoog and http://digital.library.yale.edu/cdm/...d/68663/rec/19
Occassionally some Japanese troops were seen with Russian rifles. but after the battle of Mukden and the surrender of Port Arthur, transportation troops were issued captured Russian rifles which they strapped on back of the seats of horse drawn carts and etc..
The observers delved extensively into minutia on all aspects of the war, and this includes the use of the bayonet by both antagonists. The bayonet was not a show accessory and saw much use, especially so during night attacks when combat was very up close and personal. The Russian’s always had the bayonet attached to their rifles and no scabbards to be seen worn by soldiers.