Serial number AE 1000 N0 4 Mk 1 (T)?

[Surpmil]

I doubt any Mk3 scopes saw service in WWII. AFAIK the army issued what was on hand and QMs usually like to issue the oldest kit first. Look at how Alex Martin P14s and No3 Mki*(T) rifles were still in service in 1943/44.

I've never seen a photo of a Mk3 scope in service in WWII and the earliest I can recall is in Capt. Shore's book dated 1946. Not to say that special forces might not have been able to request the latest kit; if they even knew it was available.

I used to take war stories at face value, but I am slightly more skeptical now having seen how they can grow from a humble artifact.

There is a book called "The Secret Hunters" on these SAS teams. They focused on Germans who had taken part in the murder of SAS men first of all, and IIRC, also on those who had taken part in the murder of SOE and Commando men and women as well. I fear they were called off the task much too soon, and of course the demises of the guilty were much too swift.

Nice original rifle above; I have no ideas on the AE1000(?) number.