1916 SMLE sniper photo

[MJ1]

While rummaging through my stuff for a photo of a glass case full of PH rear sights I was shown before the new museum was opened I found this picture I took in 2001 of Pete Bloom at Bisley. RIP



..MJ..

Information

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[Roger Payne]

Thanks Jack. Doesn't seem like it's been over eight years since he went to that great range in the sky.

ATB

[Nigel]

I remember that day well. It was the last time I saw Pete shoot but he still had a smile. MJ got to shoot some interesting sniper rifles that day thanks to the generosity of the range staff and others lending rifles and ammunition (no names mentioned to protect the innocent). Jack and Katie stayed at my house and I drove them down to Bisley during the Trafalgar meeting. They got a personal tour of the NRA museum and left with happy memories of Bisley. I hope one day to get back to the States so that Jack can teach me how to shoot a Garand (something we can't do in the UK).

[Peter Laidler]

Pete Bloom......... A true man who lived among men. One day the full story of his time on active service and the background to his Gallantry Medal will be told. Suffice it to say, they don't just dish them out................

[Beerhunter]

The word "nice" is often overused but not when referring to some people.

I first met him in the days that I used to RO and WO Classic Pistol on Gallery.

Without him I would not have my No.4T. He put me in touch with Roger.

[Peter Laidler]

Maybe everyone who knew him ought to add a bit here, then someone down-load it and send it to his wife. I'm sure she'd be pleased.

He showed me the first of the trials/pre issue L96 snipers and said that the days of the L42 were numbered as a result. He'd have a fit if I told him that I later found out that the PH'82 came out as the most accurate rifle on the trials. Alas..........., in the rain/wet weather and cold trials it couldn't KEEP its accuracy. Mind you, neither could the L96 (but the L42 DID...) but the L96 fared better

On the subject.......... Has anyone in the UK got a microfische reader with a print-out facility as I've got parts of the L96 trials here on microfische. God........ who ever invented such a machine? The microfische I mean - not the L96!

If you're casting a supervisory eye over proceedings Peter, I got my L96A1

[Charlie]

Speaking of microfische readers - when I retired from active duty in 1979 I was given a complete copy of my records, on microfische. Hope I never need any of that info.

[bouletbill]

Maybe everyone who knew him ought to add a bit here, then someone down-load it and send it to his wife. I'm sure she'd be pleased.

After my pistols were taken away (compulsory purchase) I was re-acquainting with .303 shooting after about a 30 year break, had just joined LERA and prior to a day on Bisley ranges, I had booked a sleep-over at the Artists. The only other customer that evening was Peter Bloom. I regret that I didn't know him from Adam but couldn't have wished for a better re-introduction to Lee-Enfield shooting. He was enthusiastic and modestly very knowledgeable (to me), with Duncan (where is he now?) behind the bar providing beer and entertainment. I didn't get the T-shirt, but I have the memory, albeit brief.

[MJ1]

As long as the cat is out of the bag. A weekend I won't forget soon.