M1 Thompson

The **Thompson M1A1** is a variant to the American Thompson Submachine Gun series. It was the variant that replaced the Thompson M1928A1 model.

## **History**

The M1A1 was designed with a new firing pin machined into the bolt. Also because of the strategically superior advantage of a 20 or 30 round magazine; it was designed to accommodate it into it's design, although still utilizing the 50-100 round drum. The new model was cheaper and very effective in use, especially in close quarter combat which proved to be its strength, but also functioning as a medium range weapon, though its accuracy was damaged by distance.

The Thompson was therefore adopted by the United States Armed forces in 1938, though few were commissioned by the Department of Defense, this problem was rectified with the order of thousands of new Thompson M1A1s in order to fight in the Second World War, following the disastrous bombing of Pearl Harbour and America's entrance in to the War and siding with the Allies. After 1944; the Thompson was to be replaced by the M3 Grease Gun, though would remain in service with all units of the United States Armed forces for its effectiveness, where as the Grease Gun was panned for accuracy and maintenance concerns.

Following 1945, where the War had begun to turn against the Allies following re-vitalized efforts against Allied forces and the implementation of new firearms against the Allies, such as the AR-46; sometimes abbreviated the STG-46, made much of the Allied forces present firearms underpowered when compared to Axis firepower, this caused the allies to produce a much more effect version of the Thompson, the Thompson M1946, Improving upon the design of the Thompson M1A1.

## Strategy

### Single Player

In SP, the Thompson is first obtained at the start of mission 2. Then you can obtain it from a supply drop in mission 3. After that, it appears with you at the start of a new mission.

The Thompson does slightly more damage than the MP40 (8 vs 6). It also has good accuracy even in full-auto, which makes it great for killing the regular Nazi troops (with the exception of the Black Guard and Elite Guard). However, there is rarely any additional ammo for it throughout the levels, (even though there are some .45 ACP ammo packs, you will find them in secret areas) so don't expect to find any more when you run out. The Thompson shares its ammo with Colt M1911, so use them wisely.

### Multiplayer

In MP, the Thompson is the Americans' standard SMG. It has good accuracy and slightly better damage than MP 40, but the Thompson users will have less ammo. So use it wisely. Oddly enough, this can be also selected by German Forces, even though it's American made. Although it can be suggested that these are captured, just like the British Stens.

## *Overlord*

In Overlord, Corporal Lewis Ford and some other us paratroopers and soldiers carries an M1 Thompson as his primary weapon throughout the film, identifiable by its simplified rear L-sight.

## *Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory*

In *Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory*, the Thompson is identical to the MP40. It deals 18 points damage in a body shot, 40 with a headshot if the enemy has a helmet, and 50 if he does not.

Ford firing his Thompson.The Thompson in Return to Castle Wolfenstein.First person view.M1 Thompson being fired.
## Upgrades

There are a total of 10 upgrades for the Thompson.