Recruit Training 1960

I came across an interesting little clip on you-tube regarding recruit training at the depot of The Buffs (one of the Surrey Regiments) during the Autumn of 1960. All still in '37 pattern webbing of course with No4 spike bayonets, Brens and Mk5 Sten BUT the rifles being used and being battered on the assault course were No1's. Obviously DP's to prevent wear and tear on the service No4's. Reminds me that for many years during and well into the mid to late 60's the rifles used in recruit training, parachute/arduous training etc etc were No4's and 303 Brens

Even for us in battle school in Wainwright in the '80"s, we issued #4 rifles and bayonets for the bayonet assault course to save on the remaining FNs. Of course the #4s came from Montreal war reserves, so they were as new Long Branch rifles and all variations of spike, no cruciforms... They didn't look so tiddly when they were done though. "Left parry, buttstroke!"

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

I came across an interesting little clip on you-tube regarding recruit training at the depot of The Buffs (one of the Surrey Regiments) during the Autumn of 1960. All still in '37 pattern webbing of course with No4 spike bayonets, Brens and Mk5 Sten BUT the rifles being used and being battered on the assault course were No1's. Obviously DP's to prevent wear and tear on the service No4's. Reminds me that for many years during and well into the mid to late 60's the rifles used in recruit training, parachute/arduous training etc etc were No4's and 303 Brens

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Do you have a link Peter? At what point in the training did the 57 pattern web equipment and the then new L1A1 come into play?

Look for recruit training or assault course 1960 and see what crops up. As for the second part of your Q...... It would all depend on the Brigade QM. They would want to waste out all the old stuff first. We were still using '37 blanco type webbing until the end of 1965 and No4's during Military/arduous Training classes until '64 or so. Same happened when the '58 pattern stuff was phased out. It just seemed to go on for ages.........

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

We were still using '37 blanco type webbing until the end of 1965 and No4's during Military/arduous Training classes until '64 or so. Same happened when the '58 pattern stuff was phased out. It just seemed to go on for ages.........

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We were still using 37 Pat webbing (albeit black boot polished) up until 1972 whereupon my Bty OP party (RA Regt) were issued with 58 Pat because we were supporting 3 RGJ.
I always used a mix of 44 Pat & 58 Pat bought surplus in Brighton because you could generally not get stuff through the normal channels.

I think that this may be the clip Peter mentioned? Army Assault Course (1960) - YouTube

The importance of personal camouflage:

Here.