Hi Glenn,
1 - I've no evidence because the photo only shows the port side. But it would be highly likely that it was on both sides and be mirrored.
2 - Axe blade forwards.
3 - No it was in the more unusual position of under the spray deflector. I think it was positioned there because of its size (it was big). There wasn't the same amount of space above the spray deflector so I presume thats why they positioned it below.
I would recommend Hunt & Kill, it really is an excellent book and has soem good shot of the boat in wartime.
Cheers,
Dougie