Aussie [WE] made "I /|\" proofed knife

A

Andy Gordon

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Mar 8, 2002
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Hello from Andy Gordon in CT

I just found an Australian made fighting knife with 3 rivit 2 piece wooden grips of the same style as the "US" marked Aussie made Gregsteel knife of WW2, this one is "WE" Whittingslow made but proofed at Ishapore "I /|\", does anyone know what units of the Indian Army were issued these knives?
Thankyou, Andy Gordon
 
The wooden grip Australian WWII combat knife is more familiar to us today from the Ek Australian Bowie marketed in the US until only a few years ago. It is a 6 inch spear point simple guard and a birds beak wooden hilt that is held in place by three rivets. The knife was originally made in Australia by Gregory Steel Producers, East Brothers, Whittingslowe, and Barker. The Whittingslowe made examples were marked "WE" on the left tang, with a "(broadarrow)"/"I" on the crossguard. These were originally issued to Australian forces, with a number commisioned by the US for issue to US troops during the war. United States produced examples are sometimes marked "US" on the tang. There was a checkered grip version produced only for Australian troops.

Generally, the use is attributted to Australian troops and little additional detail has been provided by US sources. The best way to find out is to review the official procurement records from the period which may still be available from government archives.

n2s

Note: The Indian army of WWII was issued a similar but larger knife with a 7.5 inch blade called the "Chindit". The troops, however, probably arranged their own re-allocation when they were serving in the theater.
 
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