Sorry, I allways class any 6.5mm to 8mm tri-pod mounted Machine Guns as Medium, I allways thought the .50 cal and any other 13mm to 15mm are true heavy machine guns.
I see, I was thinking more doctrinal as it pertains to Infantry application. I believe the German "heavy" classification is the same MG but on a mount.
I was allways impressed how the Japanese had carrying poles on there Machine Guns and 37mm Infantry Guns, it not only suited there way of rapid advances and a out flanking the enemy, but it made sure that the troops at the sticky end had a ready to use support if they met a strong defence line. A full strength Japanese Infantry Company (around 1942) could rely on: 9 x Type 89 Grenade Dischargers 9 x Type 11 LMGs 2 x Type 92 MMGs (from Battalion) 1 x Type 11 37mm Infantry Gun (from Battalion) Replaced after 1942 with the 37mm Type 94 Gun. and if they were lucky, 1 x Type 92 75mm Battalion Gun This is a Company at full stength I know they would be lucky to keep this up when being in action for a long period, but the point over weapons being available when the troops needed them was paramount when your men are advancing through Jungle at a rapid pace out flanking and taking out strong points. Regards Yan.