Research assistance requested ........

[Ian Skennerton]

As a researcher, I'm constantly searching for new and updated content, pictures and other material, with a view towards perhaps publishing that information in some form. So, I'd like to make a request of the membership, to check items in their collections covering a wide range of content, such as long-arms, pistols, accessories and edged weapons, just to name a few examples.

I'm looking for indications of combat use of these items, which can vary from bullet holes or even the bullets in stocks, to marks that would indicate shooting of the rifle over a ledge or around the corner of a building. As an example, particularly on Boer War Mausers, I have noticed longitudinal marks consistent with recoil from firing over a rock, or around the edge of a boulder, or the corner of a stone building.

I can relate this to Sparrow Force too as I have photos of a Lithgow Patt. '07 bayonet recovered more recently in a rural village near Baboe or Ouisow.

This request for members to start a treasure hunt of their collections, should apply to collectors of virtually all genres of firearms and accessories, so let's not limit ourselves to Enfields, or Boer Mausers.

Doug (Badger) sent me some links to content previously published here, which is a good start ...

Here's what I have so far, scattered amongst various threads and independent articles on the site …

SMLE hit by AP round !! (by Peter Laidler)

Friday 13th SMLE sniper damage (by Kev G)

Exploding P14 Grenade Discharger Cups (by Peter Laidler)

1912 No.1 MkIII Enfield Rifle (Battle Damaged) (by terryinvictoria)

Any feedback and help on this particular research subject, plus of course, support of our Footsteps of Sparrow Force Project would be sincerely appreciated, so post away and let's see what we discover together ...................

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

You have permission to use the photographs from Warminster Ian, provided that they are credited with UK MoD (Army) SASC

[Badger]

As an example, particularly on Boer War Mausers, I have noticed longitudinal marks consistent with firing over a rock, or around the edge of a boulder, or corner of a building.

Interesting Ian ....

I think I have a few pieces in the vault that have what appear to be "chatter" type marks on the wood. I never knew what they were and simply dismissed them as stock damage through general use, but hadn't considered other options until I read your comments ...

I'll get them out of the vault when I get a chance and take some pics ...

Regards,
Doug

[NavyShooter]

A tale of two machineguns

Seeing that we had some neat stuff with the MG 08,we take a closer look at the MG 08/15 and find that it has a patch on the top of the water jacket….. It must have been shot or hit with shrapnel that went right through.We wonder if they patched the hole on the inside.

[jrhead75]

This one might fit the bill. It's all matching, apparently original (at least to the WWII timeframe) 1918 LSA MkIII*. The barrel has remnants the WWII era anti corrosion paint still evident (30-40% or so). All of the damage appears old, and everything seems to have been together for quite a while.

Sorry about the quality of the pics...quick flash jobs.

[P-07ShortLee]

Probably most "well used" went into the srap bin or FTR'd, maybe even DP'd.

Might be worth looking into unit markings on bayonets and stock marking discs (and occasionally the buttplates).

[jmoore]

You may have already seen this thread, but I didn't see it listed- there's a few bits w/ damage pictured:


https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=24613&highlight=battle+damaged+enfields

I'll broaden my search parameters. I'm guessing Axis powers weapons will be most commonly encountered w/ unrepaired wear or damage.

[P-07ShortLee]

JMoore, interesting stuff there.

[Ian Skennerton]

There are a few threads with interesting photos, examples and comments. My original post and inquiry for a study of battle damage did not comprehend such a wide range, including machine guns. Water jackets are prone to damage, moreso than other parts of the gun.
Ian Skennerton

[Badger]

You may have already seen this thread, but I didn't see it listed- there's a few bits w/ damage pictured:

Battle Damaged Enfields?

I'll broaden my search parameters. I'm guessing Axis powers weapons will be most commonly encountered w/ unrepaired wear or damage.

Thanks partner, I had forgotten about posts in the rest of that thread, so here's a dulpicate of an interesting one I had placed there as well ....

Here's an article from Gun Digest 1990 44th Annual Edition, graciously scanned and emailed to us by member Brno8x57 (click here). Thanks George ...

It provides additional background to the pics of a battle damaged rifle stored at Warminister, depicted in Peter Laidler's article:

SMLE hit by AP round !! (by Peter Laidler)

To be able to read the text in these scanned images, their file size had to be about 2 megabytes each, so be a little patient when you click on the thumbnails. The best way to view (and save) them for use on your own computer, is to save the PDF file version also provided here, which uses the free Adobe PDF reader.

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Note: After you click on images to ENLARGE them, you may find they automatically size smaller in your browser's window making them harder to view. The auto sizing is your browser's way of keeping images entirely within the screen size you have set. Move your mouse pointer to the bottom centre of the pic and you will see an options panel appear. There will be a small square box next to the large X, which will have a pointer arrow sticking out of it. If it's illuminated, it means the pic you're viewing can be enlarged, so click on this box and the pic will EXPAND and open to its normal size.

(Click PIC to read and save Adobe PDF File)
(Right Click on PIC and choose "Save Target As..." to download PDF file)
PDF file size = 6.68 Mb

Regards,
Doug