Gurkha SMLEs.

Was just wondering if there were any markings specific to SMLEs that were issued to Gurkhas? Stampings, markings, buttstock stenciling, etc. Thanks!

This is based on my knowledge of the Gurkhas (The Gurkha museum is local to me and I move in museum circles.), rather than actual observation.

At the time, the Gurkhas were part of the Indian Army rather than the British Army so as start they were probably armed with Ishapore production SMLEs.

Next they were Rifle Regiments and so and unit markings (on the butt disc only) would be along the lines of: "n.G.R" (where n is a number) or RGR = Royal Gurkha Rifles, as two examples.

A mate here has a 1913 BSA MkIII that was part of a contract sent to a Ghurkha regiment prior to WW1. The stock disk was researched through the Gurkha museum and it was found to have been at Gallipoli and likely captured by the Turks shortly after. It was in a shipment of rifles bought from Turkey just a few years ago. The rifle appears to have remained in storage there ever since capture. It's all matching and still sighted for MkVI ball. Does not have any markings to indicate work, ownership, service or anything since it's original issue.

I'm not real sure of the whole story, so I won't try to recall the rest. If there is interest I might be able to talk him into stopping in and sharing it's story.

Here's a couple of his pics.

Attachment 37705
Attachment 37706
Attachment 37707

I agree with Beerhunter and Son here that their butt marking discs would be the only marks they used

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Son

A mate here has a 1913 BSA MkIII that was part of a contract sent to a Ghurkha regiment prior to WW1. The stock disk was researched through the Gurkha museum and it was found to have been at Gallipoli and likely captured by the Turks shortly after. It was in a shipment of rifles bought from Turkey just a few years ago. The rifle appears to have remained in storage there ever since capture. It's all matching and still sighted for MkVI ball. Does not have any markings to indicate work, ownership, service or anything since it's original issue.

I'm not real sure of the whole story, so I won't try to recall the rest. If there is interest I might be able to talk him into stopping in and sharing it's story.

Here's a couple of his pics.

Attachment 37705
Attachment 37706
Attachment 37707

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I remember reading the article he wrote about this rifle, it was very intresting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brit plumber

I remember reading the article he wrote about this rifle, it was very intresting.

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According to the stock disc, it belonged to the 1st Bn., 5th. Gurkha Rifles. Why can't they all be that easy?

R-P. Rawal Pindi perhaps? (better known anglicased as Rawlpindi)

Son, I remember reading about that rifle as well..fascinating piece.

I've seen three (to my recollection) Gurkha rifles out of the Turkish batch...all marked to 1st/2nd battalions of the 5th or 6th Gurkha rifles, and all issued out of Rawalpindi...including the one that I intended to bid on, but got busy and forgot. :banghead:

As already mentioned, no distinguishing characteristics other than the disk.