Bayonet Bonanza

[Peter Laidler]

We blackened them to an inch below the crosspiece. The units always sent in about 50 of the worst at a time of course. The blades were left phosphated officially. If they requested that they be left polished, we could sort of half-accommodate them by leaving the blade 1" down bead blasted/silver/frosted and hang only the grip part in the phos tank. But they always seemed to polish them....... I mean....., as if the crunchies didn't have better things to do!!!!! That said, it's clear that pre L1A1 type, they came INTO service from the makers with polished blades. L1A1 and later production No5, grey phosphate blades