Throwing of U.K service rifles

[Bruce_in_Oz]

I recall doing "infantry training" on obstacle courses. One method of getting troops over a high wall involved using the trusty L1A1 as a "launching platform".

Rifle held by a digger at each end and the "launchee" standing on it whist being "boosted" over the wall.

I used to cringe when they were using "real" rifles.

I suspect that this technique dated to a previous rifle that did not "bend" in the middle quite as easily.

In later years, after the advent of the F-88 (Steyr AUG), this practice was phased out in general training and "dummy" rifles fabricated from STEEL odds and ends (painted bright yellow) came into vogue. These are still used whenever troops go on "long" marches in the public eye. (We can't be frightening the peasants by exposing them to the sight of soldiers in battle-order carrying real weapons, can we?). Then again, if some dozey digger drops it on the road and it is immediately run over by a passing car or truck, there will be a SLIGHT reduction in that major evil, paperwork.