Machine gun training - Luftwaffe ?

[Brian Wolfe]

Hello Everyone,

Here's another photo I just bought. It looks like a shot of a training exercise for members of the Luftwaffen, going by the uniforms. You can see the soldiers awaiting their turn sitting on the wall above what I would think are the instructors. I've been looking on the internet for a photo of the machine gun they are using and the closest I can get to it is the Maximum. What do the members think?

Any information regarding the uniforms, unit etc would also be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Brian

[Brian Wolfe]

Here's a closer view of the uniforms and the gun.

[Brian Wolfe]

This is as close to the gun as I can get with my equipment.

I hope it is clear enough for an identification.

Many thanks

Brian

[Chris Boonzaier]

An Austrin Schwarzlose?

[Brian Wolfe]

Good eye Chris.

I had searched the internet using every machine gun name I could think of with no luck.

I checked your suggestion out and there is a wealth of information about this weapon, the Schwarzlos M.07/12, which in this case seems to have been fitted with the anti-aircraft shoulder stock. I guess if the uniforms in the photo are Luftwaffen this would make perfect sense.

Thanks for your help.

Regards

Brian