On both ships I was assigned to. We had 45 automatic pistols and rifles. The pistols were used
on gangway watch in Port. They were also issued when we were at anchor. Rifles were also issued when we were at anchor. Gibraltar the gateway to the Mediterranean we would always use them there while we were at anchor. Explosives could and were attached to ships. The rifle was preferred for this. In Armed Guard School we were trained to
use these weapons. Also as Roy said,in Port at times the Gunnery Officer would request an Armed escort. This would be the 45 pistol. We had several request that the Captain required a armed escort. The Petty Officers did not have exclusive use of these weapons. All the Armed Guard were qualified to use them when needed. We did not have
one of these assigned to each crew member. We had just so many assigned to the ship. The 45 pistol was not very accurate but preferred at close range. Al
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