1942/43/44 RCMP No.4 Mk1* Long Branch Rifles

This document is VERY important as a primary source document as are the secondary source reference books on RCMP weapons such as "Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873-1973" by Roger F. Phillips & Donald J. Klancher.

I used to own ex-RCMP Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I* 18L8262 (listed in Phillips/Klancher book) which I had purchased 1978-11-03 from 20902 Sgt A. D. Brown, RCMP Armourer (retired).

Information

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Phillips and Klancher stated on page 53 of their book mentioned above, referring to the Lee-Enfield No. 4 (incorrectly described as "Enfield") that "By 1962 a total of 1,019 were on charge." Unless we find out otherwise, we presume that this is the highest number on issue to the RCMP. The authors list serial numbers on pp. 192-194. The serial numbers indicate a mixture of Long Branch No. 4 Mk. I, Long Branch No. 4 Mk. I*, US Stevens-Savage No. 4 Mk. I* (four) and two from unidentified, likely British, makers. 469 rifles are listed in their book by my count. No evidence is provided as to where these serial numbers were found so it is difficult to verify most of them. That leaves 550 unaccounted for.

Collectors are worried about forgeries as any Long Branch or Savage could be stamped with the MP logo and passed off as RCMP issue as we do not have all of the serial numbers. Therefore any RCMP issued No. 4 that can be documented should be carefully documented and the information shared for future reference. When the RCMP transferred such rifles within their system, it appears that they usually had an RCMP stores tag tied to the rifle which listed the rifle serial number, and sometimes the bolt number. Collectors are advised to keep these tags attached to the rifles (if they are present) as they are crucial evidence of the rifle having been RCMP issue. If buying such a rifle, do ask if there is a stores tag if one is not attached to the rifle. Removing the tags usually means that they will get lost, almost certainly so when you die and your collection is disposed of by your Executor.

Here are four RCMP issue Lee-Enfields that evidence indicates are legitimate RCMP issue and are among the unlisted "450." That leaves 446 or so to locate and document.

1. Serial number not known. The RCMP Heritage Centre (museum) at Depot in Regina has one on display which had been issued to the R.C.M. Police St. Roch, so one or more were retained by the RCMP. I do not know the serial number as it was not accessible and the label was of little use and identifies the rifle as being "1964"! [Rifle and label photographed June 2014] Other No. 4 rifles may have been retained for Remembrance Day Cenotaph duties etc. Four FN C1A1 rifles were reportedly retained for museum purposes by the RCMP, so more than one Lee-Enfield No. 4 might have been held back.

2. 17L0879 with original stores tag listing rifle and bolt serial numbers (matching) typed on it and pencilled name of the RCMP member to whom it was sold ("HOLLAS"). [ #7. / BOLT # 17 L 0879 / RIFLE # 17 L 0879 / HOLLAS] The ownership of this rifle has been traced back through the various RCMP member owners and the original purchaser has now been found.

3. 58L7018 with original stores tag stating [ "Rifle #4 .303" British / Ser # 58L7018 (Bolt has no X5503 on it), no / magazine on rifle. from / P/B Tofino, Ocean Falls] Note that the bolt was mismatched in RCMP service.

4. 71L9930 with original stores tag stating basically [Rifle .303" No 4 / ____________(?) Ser # 71L9930 from P/B (?) ___________(?) Tahsis, BC / 13/__(?)/68 / brought to stores by S/Sgt. Poole. ]