The 1917 Enfield and the Alaska Territorial Guard

[MOS-45]

During WW 2, Army Major Marvin "Muktuk" Marston organized military units of Alaska's Native Peoples to patrol and defend Alaskas vast remote regions from incursions by the Japanese such as occurred at Attu and Kiska. The linked article provides some history on how the ATG came into being and how the 1917 Enfield came to be placed in the hands of the Eskimo Scouts. For those of you who might be interested.

https://www.billstclair.com/weaponsm...html%3Fp=35936

Information

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[MOS-45]

I have been wondering if the 6300 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard were allowed to keep their Enfield Rifles at wars end, or if they had to turn them in. If they were allowed to keep them, 1917's should be as plentiful as fleas on a stray dog in Alaska. Over the decades I have lived in Alaska I have seen an occasional 1917 for sale at gun shows, in gun stores, and in classified ads but never an abundance of them. Where are these 6300 rifles?
The Canadian Rangers (comparable to the ATG) were allowed to keep their issued Lee Enfield #4 rifles.

[fjruple]

I have been wondering if the 6300 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard were allowed to keep their Enfield Rifles at wars end, or if they had to turn them in. If they were allowed to keep them, 1917's should be as plentiful as fleas on a stray dog in Alaska. Over the decades I have lived in Alaska I have seen an occasional 1917 for sale at gun shows, in gun stores, and in classified ads but never an abundance of them. Where are these 6300 rifles?
The Canadian Rangers (comparable to the ATG) were allowed to keep their issued Lee Enfield #4 rifles.

MOS-45 - Probably turned in after the Alaska National Guard was re-established after WWII. They are probably are setting in a long forgotten ammunition "igloo" (no Pun intended) awaiting for the "next" war. In 1940, the Minnesota Army National Guard had 1880's .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield rifle still in their inventory. Being born in Alaska and a lover of the M1917 Enfield, you propose an interesting question that has peaked my interest. Hmm, a bit of further research is in order.

[MOS-45]

fjruple, I have tried to contact Bob Goodman, the President of The Alaska Territorial Guard Organization Inc. to inquire about the disposition/fate of the ATG's 1917 Enfields. He would seem to be the foremost authority on the ATG. My effort was unsuccessful. The email did not go through. The website is;

http://www.goodmanforatg.com/index.html

[MOS-45]

Have been doing some searching on the web on this subject. In a book titled "Alaska at War" it is stated that Alaska Natives were seen using 1917 Enfields in the 1960's that were issued to them during WW 2 as members of the ATG. An excerpt is attached below. I started hyper-ventilating and salivating when I read the words 20 cases of 1917's.

[fjruple]

MOS-45-- Interesting about the of Colt MGs, I wonder where they ended up? In NJ several years one was found on the beach after a storm. It appears to be one that was missing after a 1944 hurricane that battered the NJ shore beach defenses during WWII. Needless to say the gun was in relic condition being exposed to the salt water all of these years.

[pickax]

Thanks for the post MOS-45 . That was interesting reading, and an education for me.