Luger and General German Handgun question

[Dr.Mauser]

So its a well known fact that Germany in the second World War issued ungodly amounts of handguns and various side arms to its Military, but from what I understand they weren't for issued for everyone. Now my first question was why were they so obsessed with handguns? And although they were issued in mass numbers they didn't feel the handgun was as viable weapon in combat like the US did?

Second question is; in photos, historical footage, and even Hollywood films the German side arm is ALWAYS carried on the left side despite whether you were left or right handed? Why was this done? If a soldier, NCO, or Officer was predominantly right handed and need to draw his side arm, would a cross draw be the least effective way to do so?

[sammass]

I honestly do not have the answer, but I wonder if it was an intimidation factor. We have seen the propaganda videos spun by Goebbels. If every one of those in formation at Hitler's 'fireside chats' had a P-08 on their hip, what message does that send to the next country on their blitzkrieg list? 9mm ball was less expensive to dispatch someone. Just a thought.

[Woodymyster]

Pistols were a hierarchy symbol in the German Military. It wasn't the need for a sidearm, but rather "the look". Similar to the desire of every German Officer to wear the non regulation leather trenchcoat. The same could be said about the Japanese and their swords. There was also an oppsession with having the smallest possible pistol on ones belt in a holster. I have several GI captured pistols with holsters for .25 pistols. Since the pistol was not worn for practical means, did it matter how it was worn?

[Pofoo]

The Germans considered their bigger pistols to be actual attack weapons, unlike the US that considered them secondary wepons. WW1 Lugers were issued to enlisted and noncoms. Field officers supplied their own sidearms. The higher ranks usually carried smaller (.32) pistols as a badge of rank.
I think Hitler off'd himself with poison and a 7.62/.32 Walther PPK.