British Soldier poses with a Lend-Lease M1911 pistol in late 1942

This appears to be a older M1911 model instead of the improved M1911A1 model, also note US issue holster.

From March 1941 through the end of WW2, the UK received 39,592 M1911 pistols through Lend-Lease.

While not standard British Military issue, the M1911 was mainly issued to Special Forces / Commando Personnel.

Lt. Col. Augustus Newman, who earned Britain’s highest military honor for the Commando raid on German-occupied St. Nazaire, France in 1942, preferred the M1911 as a sidearm.

In 1952 the British Military released their M1911 pistols as surplus, with many ending up back in the USA, with UK proof marks.

LIFE Magazine Archives – Hans Wild Photographer WWP-PD

Wounded Soldier being carried away from the British Divisional Administration Area near Oosterbeek Netherlands – September 24, 1944

Note the stocks of ammunition and fuel dumped in the background

IWM – Smith D M (Sgt) Photographer
IWM BU 1141

SAC hardware on display at Carswell AFB, Texas – September 1955

Nearest to the camera, a Boeing B-47 Stratojet…next a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress…and bringing up the rear a Convair B-36 Peacemaker.

In the distance are assorted aircraft including Lockheed F-80 / T-33 Shooting Stars and Boeing C-97 Stratofreighters…and even a B-25.

LIFE Magazine Archives- NR Farbman Photographer WWP-PD