"Sporterised" Lee-Enfields in WWII

[browningautorifle]

So I wonder who was billed for all those rifles, Brens and Boys ATRs left lying on the sand at Dunkirk? Did anyone get hauled up by the quartermaster or billed for their losses after they got off the boat at Dover? How about the ordnance returns from Singapore? Used to wrap parts or wipe bottoms probably. How about Greece or Crete in 1941? Who paid for all that lot?

Written off because of battle.

How about those soldiers buried in Italy or a dozen other theatres with their rifles stuck muzzle down in the dirt?

Picked up after battle when bodies were exhumed by graves registration.

How about a soldier who lost his rifle in WWI? Is anyone seriously going to propose that he was made to pay for it? I'd like to see some evidence to back up that claim.

I've read claims to that exact evidence from my Regimental history. Men would be charged and paid for a rifle lost in battle. It would depend on the situation...

So there's a photo of a cut down No4 and he's not under close arrest? I'll bet the fellow next to him with the binoculars is an NCO too. Maybe he just hadn't noticed the rifle yet?

Like I say, there's more to that picture than meets the scripture under it.

---------- Post added at 05:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------

orth remembering that most soldiers in world wars are not careerists,

Well I for one was.

but since none of us were there, we'd probably best rely on the evidence of those who were.

Except they aren't here either, just pictures. Sounds like you didn't do a days service either.