L42A1

[scharfschutzen63]

Is there a record of the serial numbers of the rifles used in the Falklands War?

Information

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[Gil Boyd]

That is a bit specific......................on behalf of the site and other key members, I hold the lists and currently have been asked to help where I can.

Have you got a serial number to hand or is this a question, asking the serial numbers of ALL the L42A1 rifles that went south??

If it is the latter, even, I having recently, written a charity book called " FALKLANDS WAR SNIPERS DOWN SOUTH" all about the L42A1, you are asking a difficult question, and even I after 38 years can't track down every QM for a list of what he took to the Falklands on the weapons side.

As a for instance, 2 PARA took all their target shooting rifles with them as well as ther L42A1's, so its a minefield in short!!!!!

[GeeRam]

As a for instance, 2 PARA took all their target shooting rifles with them as well as ther L42A1's, so its a minefield in short!!!!!

Brilliant

So, the search now starts for an ex-2 Para L39

[Gil Boyd]

You laugh, thats what it was like. Take reliable rifles that you knew hit the target at whatever you set it to in 7.62!!!

[GeeRam]

You laugh, thats what it was like. Take reliable rifles that you knew hit the target at whatever you set it to in 7.62!!!

Oh I know.........the was a 'knowing laugh' not a 'disbelieving laugh'.

Do you know if they actual used any of the L39's in combat?

I remember my Dad telling me of just post VE Day in Germany, being RE they were straight away tasked with trawling the POW encampments and still surrendering German Forces looking for Wehrmacht Pioneer's to collect together to start helping clear up the destruction and start repairing roads, railways, bridges, services and of course ordnance clearance. He said they took to using MP40's a lot for their ease of use with the folding stock and hung sling, as it made a much more convenient weapon for guard duty and Jeep patrols than a No.4 or even a Sten in those first couple of months post VE Day.

[Gil Boyd]

Yes on Geese and rabbits to make sure they were zero'd to the enth degree!!!

[scharfschutzen63]

That is a bit specific......................on behalf of the site and other key members, I hold the lists and currently have been asked to help where I can.

Have you got a serial number to hand or is this a question, asking the serial numbers of ALL the L42A1 rifles that went south??

If it is the latter, even, I having recently, written a charity book called " FALKLANDS WAR SNIPERS DOWN SOUTH" all about the L42A1, you are asking a difficult question, and even I after 38 years can't track down every QM for a list of what he took to the Falklands on the weapons side.

As a for instance, 2 PARA took all their target shooting rifles with them as well as ther L42A1's, so its a minefield in short!!!!!

Hi Gil,
Do you have any history on the following rifles: N31729, A37452, U36397, U37330, L32054, A736, A1141?
Bob

[Alan de Enfield]

Hi Gil,
Do you have any history on the following rifles: N31729, A37452, U36397, U37330, L32054, A736, A1141?
Bob

Just for interest - I have U36063.

[Simon]

As a for instance, 2 PARA took all their target shooting rifles with them as well as ther L42A1's, so its a minefield in short!!!!!

I've not been around here much for a long time, although I do still lurk in the shadows, as I have other things to occupy my time. But I would like to say what a fantastic job Gil has been doing since he stepped up to the plate and agreed to relieve me of my duties for the interim.

Just a quick few lines to corroborate the above. A former FEO (Firearms Enforcement Officer) of mine who I only ever knew as Taff had served down south with 2 Para and during one renewal visit he regaled me with tales of the chaos prepping to move and of them even taking their L39's down south with them. I'm glad this side bar has now been confirmed as I mentioned it some time back on these very forums and both it and other info I'd received in personal letters from Harry Furness regarding Ammo selection was roundly poo pooed and dismissed as fantasy by a former contributor here.

TTFN,

Simon.

[Gil Boyd]

Hi Simon,
Welcome back. My pleasure running the Lee Enfield checks for you in your absence serving the country.
I make a big thing about the use of none L42A1 rifles down south in my book because its fact.
2 PARA took all their 7.62 competition winning target rifles with them, as David Cooper the Battalion Padre was really big into Olympic and National shooting, and God bless him as it was the right decision.
I don't think though that the CO H Jones knew of even cared what they took down with them, as long as it got the job done.....which it did!!