1 Attachment(s)
Photograph of rare Canadian Telescopic Rifles from WWII (Expert opinions wanted)
I recently came across a photograph of my grandfather from his scout-sniper training course at Camp Borden. It's dated for January 1945. I am going to give my interpretation of what I see, based on research I have collected. Don't count on it being totally correct.
As soon as I took a look, I noticed that the man standing 2nd from the right (bottom row) was holding a cut-down Lee Enfield. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that (with the exception of 1 rifle) every Lee Enfield in this picture is quite rare, or mounts a rare scope.
The two men on the left are holding regular No.4 configured sniper rifles, however the scopes (and presumably the scope mounts) are not standard. I quick reference to Skennerton's book reveals that these scopes are 2 of about 100 Lyman Alaskan telescopic sights that were purchased for the Canadian Army. As well, the mounts appear to be the Griffin & Howe type mounts that were purchased along with the scopes.
The 5th man from the left appears to be holding a plain-jane No.4 telescopic rifle. (unless someone can spot something out of the ordinary)
The man 6th from the left is holding a cut down rifle. I am almost certain that it is (or is closely related to) this rifle: Milsurps - 1943-44 Enfield No.4 Mk1* Experimental Long Branch 'Scout' Sniper Rifle
Like the rifle listed in the Knowledge Library, it has a cut-down stock, a totally new buttstock (rollover cheekpiece and a rubber butt), and no charger bridge. From this angle, it's difficult to tell whether or not it's fitted with the windmill-style 4 position backsight (which was mounted on the left side of the receiver) As well, this rifle mounts a different scope: the C No.32 Mk 4 (C No.67 Mk I) onto what should be a Griffin & Howe mount. (which was what the type was configured with. I, however, might be incorrect. But from I can see, it appears to be a match)
Finally, the last man (and my grandfather) is holding a regular No.4 that has a different buttstock: the same as the previous rifle. It also appears to have the same No.67 Mk I telescope and mount. (once again, I might be wrong here) The book reveals that the rifles with the sporter-esc buttstocks were tested (I don't know how many), but it doesn't reveal whether or not they were put into service. For all I know, my grandfather may have been issued an incredibly rare trial rifle.
Take anything I say with a grain of salt. Truth be told, I know next to nothing about this particular topic, and what I am saying is pretty much taken from Skennerton's book and pictures of the rifle from the Knowledge Library.
I would greatly appreciate it if a Lee Enfield expert could weigh in on this photograph and tell me more about it. (and correct any mistakes I might have made. I wouldn't want to give other people incorrect information) Why was my grandfather's unit issued with non-standard rifles? Was it an experiment to see how the rifles and scopes performed? As well, I'd like some more information about the particular rifle my grandfather was issued.
-Please note that I did not use Skennerton's book about British Snipers. Unfortunately, I don't own a copy-
Moderator 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.
